William Hornby (1810–1899) was the inaugural Archdeacon of Lancaster. Hornby was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. He was Vicar of St Michael's on Wyre from 1847 to 1885; and Rural Dean of Preston from 1850 to 1878. He died on 20 December 1899. His son was also Archdeacon of Lancaster from 1909 to 1936.