William Henry Whitfeld

William Henry Whitfeld (15 October 1856, Ashford, Kent – 1 December 1915) was an English mathematician, leading expert on bridge and whist, and card editor for The Field. He is known as the poser of the Whitfeld Six problem in double dummy bridge.

After graduating from Chatham House Grammar School, Whitfeld matriculated in 1876 at Trinity College, Cambridge. He graduated there in 1880 with B.A. as twelfth wrangler in the Mathematical Tripos and in 1884 with M.A. For several years he was a tutor and lecturer at Cavendish College, Cambridge. He wrote the article Bridge for the 11th edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. He also wrote a 6-page essay entitled Probabilities for the 1902 book Principles and Practice of Whist.

In 1900 he married Ida Alberta Russell (1877-1958). They had three sons and three daughters. later their mother Ida Alberta with Francis and the three daughters came a few months later. Ida Alberta, Mother, Ivan, Ida Mary, Rachel and Margret eventually returned to England leaving Francis and Miles in Australia.