Alfred Harmsworth (3 July 1837 – 16 July 1889) was a British barrister, and the father of several of the United Kingdom's leading newspaper proprietors, five of whom were honoured with hereditary titles – two viscounts, one baron and two baronets.

Another son designed the iconic bulbous Perrier mineral water bottle.

They lived in Dublin until 1867, when they moved to London, initially to St John's Wood, and later to Hampstead when the family's fortunes declined, in part due to Harmsworth's "fondness for alcohol", although they were always short of money, in part due to having so many children.

[4] Harmsworth was a barrister of the Middle Temple and one of the standing counsel for the Great Northern Railway.

[4] Harmsworth was the founder of the Sylvan Debating Club, for which he served as Secretary for a number of years.