Sir John Watney FSA (27 January 1834 – 25 March 1923), a member of the Watney family, was Honorary Secretary of the City and Guilds of London Institute for the Advancement of Technical Education from 1878 to 1920 and Chairman of Council of the City and Guilds of London Institute from 1921 to 1923. He was the eldest son of John Watney and Susannah Dormay of Mitcham, Surrey. His uncle was James Watney, brewer and one time Master of the Mercers' Company. He was educated at Harrow and became a solicitor in 1857. In 1864 he married Elizabeth Dendy. He was knighted on 30 June 1900 at Windsor Castle.