William Henry Smith (June 24, 1825) - (October 6, 1891) was the son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865). He was born in London and educated at Tavistock Grammar School before joining the business with his father in 1846. As a result of his involvement, the business became a household name (W H Smith), and the practice of selling books and newspapers at railway stations began. In 1868 he was elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Westminster, and was appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury six years later when Disraeli returned as Prime Minister. In 1877 he became First Lord of the Admiralty (an appointment which gave rise to the character of Sir Joseph Porter, KCB, in Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta, HMS Pinafore), holding this office for three years until the Liberals returned to power. In 1885 he exchanged his Westminster seat for that of the The Strand division of London, and served as Chief Secretary for Ireland for a short period in the following year. He was twice Secretary of State for War, the first time during Lord Salisbury's brief ministry between 1885 and 1886, and the second when the Conservatives won the 1886 General Election. He succeeded this appointment in 1887 as First Lord of the Treasury and Leader of the House of Commons, and became Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1891, dying shortly afterwards at Walmer Castle. His widow was created Viscountess Hambleden.

Preceded by: George Ward Hunt	First Lord of the Admiralty 1877–1880	Succeeded by: The Earl of Northbrook
Preceded by: Marquess of Hartington	Secretary of State for War 1885–1886	Succeeded by: The Viscount Cranbrook
Preceded by: William Hart Dyke	Chief Secretary for Ireland 1886	Succeeded by: John Morley
Preceded by: Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman	Secretary of State for War 1886–1887	Succeeded by: Edward Stanhope
Preceded by: The Marquess of Salisbury	First Lord of the Treasury 1887–1891	Succeeded by: Arthur Balfour
Preceded by: Lord Randolph Churchill	Leader of the House of Commons 1887–1891
Preceded by: The Earl Granville	Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports 1891	Succeeded by: 1st Marquess Dufferin