William Brown was born in Chatham in 1845 and began life as a butcher-boy (hence his nickname, 'Butcher').
He later became apprenticed to E. Parr, the Gomersham, Ashford, Kent, trainer before moving to Telscombe, Lewes.
He then, on the recommendation of Lord St. Vincent, obtained a trainer's licence and took over from E. Parr at Royston.
Whilst he rode a good many winners, he never captured a classic.
In April 1912, William published his biography entitled 'Also Ran'.
He enjoyed remarkably good health until two days before his death when he caught a chill and succumbed to double pneumonia at Newmarket on Monday morning, 30th May 1921.
He left a widow (who was paralysed) and two daughters.
His funeral took place at Newmarket Cemetery on Friday, June 3, and was attended by many racing personalities.
