Robert Spencer Robinson
| Sir Robert Robinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1809 Welford Park, Berkshire |
| Died | 1889 London |
| Buried at | Kensal Green Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Navy
|
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held |
Phoenix Hydra Arrogant Colossus Royal George Exmouth |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |
Admiral Sir Robert Spencer Robinson, KCB (1809–1889) was a British naval officer, who served as two five-year terms as Controller of the Navy from February 1861 to February 1871, and was therefore responsible for the procurement of warships at a time when the Royal Navy was changing over from unarmoured wooden ships to ironclads. As a result of the Captain disaster, Robinson was not given a third term as Controller. Robinson has been "described as having one of the best brains of any Victorian admiral".
He was born at Welford Park, Berkshire, the son of Sir John Robinson Bt. (1754–1832), Archdeacon of Armagh.
On 10 May 1841 he married Clementina, daughter of Admiral Sir John Louis.
Robinson entered the Navy on 6 December 1821. He was promoted to lieutenant on 27 September 1830, and from 5 May 1831 until 1834 served as lieutenant in the 50-gun razee frigate Dublin, commanded by Lord James Townshend. Dublin was flagship on the South America station. In 1836 he was appointed to the 84-gun two-decker Asia.Asia was commissioned on 18 March 1836 by Captain William Fisher, and served in the Mediterranean. On 26 September 1837, he was appointed to the 28-gun frigate Tyne, which had been commissioned on 5 September 1837 by Captain John Townshend, and was also serving in Mediterranean. On 28 June 1838 he was promoted to commander.
In April 1839, he completed a book: The Nautical Steam Engine Explained, and Its Powers and Capabilities Described for the Officers of the Navy and Others Interested in the Important Results of Steam Navigation.
On 20 July 1839 he was appointed captain of the 6-gun paddle-sloop Phoenix, serving in the Mediterranean. However the captain of the 4-gun paddle-sloop Hydra, Commander Anthony William Milward died, and Robinson was appointed to Hydra (also serving in the Mediterranean). A replacement for Robinson as captain of the Phoenix was appointed on 1 March 1840. Under Robinson Hydra took part in Commodore Charles Napier's attack on Sidon in September 1840. Robinson was promoted to captain on 5 November 1840; a replacement for Robinson as captain of Hydra was appointed on 26 December 1840.
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