William Thompson Watkin

William Thompson Watkin (15 October 1836 – 23 March 1888) was a British archaeologist known for his work on Roman Britain, particularly in the north of England. Born in Salford to John Watkin and Mary Hamilton, he grew up with an interest in archaeology despite initially pursuing a career as a merchant in Liverpool.

Watkin authored 123 books and articles between 1871 and 1888, focusing on Roman Britain's northwest and Yorkshire regions. His most significant works were *Roman Lancashire* (1883) and *Roman Cheshire* (1886), which were praised for their thorough research and detailed descriptions of objects.

Active in archaeological societies, Watkin served as a council member of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire from 1884, becoming its honorary librarian in 1885. He also joined the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society upon its founding in 1883 until his death.

Watkin died at his Liverpool home in 1888 and was buried at Anfield Cemetery. He married three times and left a widow and several children. After his death, his unpublished notes on Roman remains in North Wales and England were purchased through public subscription and donated to Chetham's Library in Manchester.