William Bray FSA (1736–1832) was an English antiquary, best known as co-author of a county history of Surrey.
On leaving school he was placed with an attorney, Mr. Martyr, at Guildford, but not long afterwards obtained a position in the Board of Green Cloth, which he held for nearly fifty years and was then superannuated.
Originally published anonymously in 1777, the second edition appeared with the author's name in 1783, and it was subsequently frequently reprinted, and was included in John Pinkerton's Travels.
"[2] Baseball historians consider this one of the earliest documented references to the sport,[3] although the rules of the specific game referenced by Bray are unknown.
In 1758 he married Mary, daughter of Henry Stephens of Wipley, in Worplesdon, who died 14 December 1796, aged 62, having had numerous children.