Who Was W H Smith?

William Henry Smith, FRS (24 June 1825 – 6 October 1891) was an English bookseller and newsagent of the family firm W H Smith, who expanded the firm and introduced the practice of selling books and newspapers at railway stations.

Does WHSmith still exist?

Now celebrating over 225 years in business, WHSmith is a leading global retailer in news, books and convenience with more than 1,700 stores in over 30 countries.

Why is WHSmith called WHSmith?

After their deaths, the business—valued in 1812 at £1,280 (equivalent to £85,882 in 2019)—was taken over by their youngest son William Henry Smith, and in 1846 the firm became W. H. Smith & Son when his only son, also William Henry, became a partner.