Richard Tapper Cadbury (1768 – 13 March 1860) was an English draper, abolitionist and philanthropist.

Successive later members of the family became important in the manufacturing and charity sectors, chiefly from their wealth and innovations in chocolate.

His father was a maker of serge and he was apprenticed to a draper in Gloucester, after which he worked for others in the town.

[6] Cadbury was an abolitionist and in 1840 attended the World's Anti-Slavery Convention at Freemasons' Hall, London.

Delegates came from several countries and a commemorative painting, now displayed in the National Portrait Gallery, records all the notable people who were present.