* Deaf communities: Deaf people have always communicated with each other, developing their own visual languages.
* The influence of French Sign Language: French Sign Language (LSF) had a significant impact on the development of BSL, as it was used by the deaf community in England during the 18th and 19th centuries.
* Schools for the deaf: The establishment of schools for the deaf in England in the 18th century standardized sign language and contributed to its development.
* The emergence of a deaf culture: As a distinct deaf community developed in England, their shared language evolved and diversified.
Therefore, BSL is the result of a collective effort by generations of deaf people. There is no single person we can point to as its creator.