Robert Walpole

Robert Walpole was born on 3 May 1736 and died on 19 April 1810. He was the fourth son of the 1st Baron Walpole and Mary Magdalen Lombard. His paternal uncle was Robert Walpole, who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain.

In 1756, he adopted the style The Hon. Robert Walpole. His early career included service as an extra clerk of the Privy Council, a position he held from 1749 until 1764. In 1764, he succeeded Henry Fane as a Clerk in Ordinary of the Privy Council.

Walpole held diplomatic positions in the late 18th century. He was secretary of the British embassy in Paris from 1768 to 1769, followed by a role as Minister Plenipotentiary from 1769 to 1771. Subsequently, he was appointed envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Portugal, serving from 1771 until 1800.

He was the father of Major-General George Walpole (1758–1835), who served as under-secretary for foreign affairs in 1806.

Walpole was married twice. His first marriage occurred on 8 May 1780 to Diana Grosset, who died on 24 July 1784. His second marriage was on 10 May 1785 to Sophia Stert, who died on 12 June 1829. He had children with both wives. Among his children was Robert Walpole, a classical scholar born of his first marriage.