William Henry Ashurst (1792–1855) was an English solicitor, deeply involved in the radical politics of his time.

His father had led an aimless existence, under the impression — due to rumours about his infancy and his likeness to the eminent judge of the name — that he would be some day recognised as belonging to a distinguished family.

He ceased to be a member of any sect, though he regarded his political principles as the logical outcome of the doctrine of human brotherhood.

He was an active member of the common council, and, as under-sheriff for one year, witnessed an execution, which intensified his horror of capital punishment.

[2] Ashurst supported the gathering of evidence in favour of Rowland Hill's scheme of postal reform, when it was before the parliamentary committee.

Ashurst defended many men whom he believed to have been the victims of injustice or oppression, amongst others George Jacob Holyoake on his imprisonment in 1842.

He died on 13 October 1855 and was buried in a family vault in the dissenters section of the western side of Highgate Cemetery.