Gilbert Wakefield (22 November 1756, Nottingham - 9 September 1801, Hackney) was an English scholar and controversialist.Gilbert Wakefield was the third son of the Rev. George Wakefield, then rector of St Nicholas' Church, Nottingham but afterwards at Kingston-upon-Thames. He was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. as second wrangler in 1776. Wakefield took orders, but left the ministry and the Church of England to become a Unitarian.