Sir Edward Watkin (1819 - 1901) was a Victorian Railway baron and a Liberal Member of Parliament for the constituencies of Stockport and later Hythe in Kent.

He was general manager of the Manchester Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway from 1854 to 1862, and Chairman from 1864 to 1894. And was responsible for the building of the Great Central Railway. He was knighted in 1864.

Watkin was also a prominent supporter of the anti-Corn Laws movement.

He was also responsible for the partially completed Watkins' Tower