Last Updated : 5 May 2016

The Rathbone family of Liverpool were merchants and shipowners who originate with William Rathbone II born 1696, who came to Liverpool attracted by the growing port. There is a statue of his descendent William Rathbone VI (1819-1902) in Saint John's Gardens in the city centre. He was a businessman also noted for his philanthropic and public work. Rathbone Hospital in Mill Lane, Old Swan, Liverpool 13 is named after him. William Rathbone VI was a great a friend of Florence Nightingale who had a large influence on hospital development.

Basil Rathbone, the famous actor, though born is South Africa, is a member of this family who worked for an insurance company in Liverpool when in his late teens. Basil also served in the Liverpool Scottish Regiment during World War 1.

Liverpool also has a Rathbone Road which runs parallel with Mill Lane in Liverpool 13.

The Rathbone family business still operates in Liverpool today and is based in the Port of Liverpool Building at the Pier Head, Liverpool 3.