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William Leaf

1791 – 1874

English silk merchant and philanthropist

Silk merchantPhilanthropist
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About William Leaf

Lived 1791 – 1874 (aged 83). William Leaf was a British silk merchant and philanthropist.

William Laidler Leaf (1791–1874) was a wealthy silk merchant and philanthropist.

Biography Leaf lived in Streatham, south London and had a holiday home on Eastbourne's Grand Parade.

Leaf was closely associated with the temperance movement and funded the construction of the Leaf Hall in Eastbourne.

Leaf is buried in West Norwood Cemetery.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Silk merchant, philanthropist
Also known as
William Laidler Leaf

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Leaf's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Leaf?

English silk merchant and philanthropist

When was William Leaf born?

William Leaf was born on 20 March 1791 in City of London.

When did William Leaf die?

William Leaf died on 3 July 1874 in Streatham.

What was William Leaf's occupation?

William Leaf was a silk merchant and philanthropist.

What nationality was William Leaf?

William Leaf was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Leaf

· Wikidata: Q45982208

· DBpedia: William Leaf

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Leaf. https://biography.guide/william-leaf/

MLA: "William Leaf." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-leaf/.

Chicago: "William Leaf." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-leaf/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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