William Brighty Rands (24 December 1823, Chelsea, Middlesex — 23 April 1882, East Dulwich, London) was a British writer and one of the major authors of nursery rhymes of the Victorian era.

His pen names include Matthew Browne, Henry Holbeach, and T.

[2] Rands married Mary Ditton in 1846, and the couple had three children.

He also contributed to the Illustrated Times, the Contemporary Review, Tait's Edinburgh Magazine, and the Pall Mall Gazette, among other newspapers.

Rands also preached at a Brixton Chapel, where he composed several hymns, some of which became popular.