Great Beech on Manor Hill. Albumen print, Getty Museum. Public domain photograph.

William Bambridge (1819-1879) was a British photographer best known for his work in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Pacific region. He served as the official photographer on HMS Herald during its survey of the Pacific from 1852 to 1861. Bambridge's most important work was capturing images of the people, landscapes and cultures of the various Pacific islands during the expedition. His photographs provide an invaluable insight into the lives and customs of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific at the time. One of the most notable people associated with Bambridge is Charles Darwin. The HMS Herald, on which Bambridge worked, was involved in the survey work that influenced Darwin's studies of evolution and natural selection. Although Bambridge's work was influential in documenting the Pacific, his life and career are not as well documented or widely known as some other photographers of his time. Despite this, his photographs remain an important historical record and contribute to our understanding of 19th century exploration and Pacific Island cultures.