• Name: Hayley, William
• Gender: Male
• Birth Date: 9  November  1745
• Death Date: 12  November  1820
• Occupation: biographer

William Hayley was a literary figure who failed in his writing for the theatre before concentrating on poetry. He was best known for his Life of Milton (1796). He was later a patron of William Blake. In August 1811 Godwin writes to him, and six days later visits him (and his wife)as Felpham. His letter to Mary Jane describes the walk, and the meeting. Godwin did not take to Hayley - whom he refers to as the 'literary hermit', but he did like his wife. Godwin writes to him again in 1812.

Godwin records his death.

• MS. Abinger c. 11, fols. 94-5: 23 July 1812
• DNB.

This table lists the people this person is most frequently noted with in the diary.