Robert Spencer Robinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Robinson
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 6 January 1809 Welford Park, Berkshire |
| Died | 27 July 1889 (aged 80) London |
| Buried |
Kensal Green Cemetery
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 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 (born 6 January 1809 – died 27 July 1889) was a British naval officer. He was very important in the Royal Navy because he served as the Controller of the Navy for ten years, from 1861 to 1871. This meant he was in charge of getting new warships for the navy. This was a big job because the navy was changing from old wooden ships to new, strong ironclad ships. He was known for being very smart.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Robert Spencer Robinson was born on 6 January 1809 at Welford Park in Berkshire, England. His father was Sir John Freind Robinson.
In 1841, he married Clementina, who was the daughter of another admiral, Sir John Louis.
Robert Robinson joined the Navy on 6 December 1821. He worked hard and became a lieutenant in 1830. He served on ships like the Dublin and the Asia in different parts of the world, including South America and the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1838, he was promoted to commander. The next year, he wrote a book about steam engines for ships. He commanded the paddle-sloop Phoenix and later the Hydra. With the Hydra, he helped in an attack on a place called Sidon in 1840. He became a captain in November 1840.
Captain and Admiral
As a captain, Robinson commanded several important ships.
- In 1850, he took charge of the screw-frigate Arrogant in the Channel Fleet.
- In 1854, he commanded the new screw two-decker Colossus. This ship served in the Baltic Sea during the Crimean War in 1855.
- In 1856, he commanded the large screw three-decker Royal George. This ship helped bring British soldiers back from the Crimea.
After commanding ships, he became the Superintendent of the Steam Reserve at Devonport. This meant he was in charge of ships that were kept ready for use. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1860.
In 1861, Rear Admiral Robinson became the Controller of the Navy. This was a very important job. He was responsible for building new warships for the Royal Navy. At this time, the navy was going through a huge change. They were moving from wooden ships to powerful ironclad ships, which were covered in iron armor.
Robinson worked hard to make the royal dockyards more efficient. These were the places where ships were built and repaired. He wanted them to work like successful factories. He made many changes to improve how ships were built.
He worked closely with the Chief Constructor, Edward Reed, who designed the new ships. However, there were many challenges, including arguments over ship designs and rising costs.
In 1868, Robinson was given an even bigger role. He became the Third Lord and Controller on the Board of Admiralty. This board was like the main management team for the navy.
He was worried about how the British navy compared to other navies, especially France's. He often said that France had more ironclad ships and heavier guns. He pushed for Britain to build more and better ships to stay strong at sea.
In 1869, he was made a Knight Commander of the Bath, which is a special honor. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his scientific knowledge.
End of His Time as Controller
In 1870, Edward Reed, the Chief Constructor, resigned. Robinson felt this was a big loss for the navy.
Robinson's second five-year term as Controller ended in February 1871. He was replaced by Captain Robert Hall.
After Retirement
After leaving his job as Controller, he was promoted to Admiral on the retired list in July 1871. He continued to write about naval matters.
Sir Robert Spencer Robinson died in London on 27 July 1889. He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.
