William Roscoe | |
|---|---|
 William Roscoe portrayed by Martin Archer Shee, 1815–1817 (which is on display at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool). | |
| Born | 8 March 1753 Liverpool, England |
| Died | 30 June 1831 (aged 78) Liverpool, England |
| Occupation | historian, abolitionist, art collector, politician, lawyer, banker, botanist and writer |
| Notable works | The Butterfly's Ball, and the Grasshopper's Feast |
William Roscoe (8 March 1753 – 30 June 1831) was an English banker, lawyer, and briefly a Member of Parliament. He is best known as one of England's first abolitionists, and as the author of the poem for children The Butterfly's Ball, and the Grasshopper's Feast. In his day he was also respected as a historian and art collector, as well as a botanist and miscellaneous writer. The standard author abbreviation Roscoe is used to indicate this person as the author when citing a botanical name.[1]