Sir William Robinson, 1st Baronet

Sir William Robinson, 1st Baronet (19 November 1655 – 22 December 1736), was an English politician associated with Whig political positions. He held seats in the House of Commons from 1689 to 1722, representing Northallerton and York at various times. Robinson served as Lord Mayor of York during 1700–1701.

Born in York, Robinson was the eldest son of Thomas Robinson, a Turkey merchant, and Elizabeth Tancred, daughter of Charles Tancred of Arden, Yorkshire. His family had a history of municipal service; a paternal ancestor also named William Robinson had been Lord Mayor of York and a Member of Parliament during the reign of Elizabeth I.

Robinson received education in York under a tutor named Mr. Langley. He was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge on 6 February 1671, and in 1674, he was admitted to Gray's Inn, a professional association for barristers. He inherited his father's estate in 1676.

On 8 September 1679, Robinson married Mary Aislabie, daughter of George Aislabie of Studley Royal, Yorkshire. In December 1688, Robinson became Captain of the Bulmer Troop in the North Riding Militia Horse. He was involved in support of the Duke of Danby's rising during the Glorious Revolution.

Robinson was elected as Member of Parliament for Northallerton in 1689, aligning with his interests in the region. His parliamentary activity was limited; he served on only three committees. In the same year, he held the position of High Sheriff of Yorkshire from March to November. The Robinson family had previously held a baronetcy; his uncle Metcalfe Robinson had been created a baronet in 1660 but died without issue in 1689, leading to the extinction of that title. Robinson was created a new baronetcy on 13 February 1690, reviving the family title.

He was re-elected as MP for Northallerton at the 1690 general election. Later, he represented York from 1698 until his retirement from Parliament in 1722. As Lord Mayor of York in 1700, he resided at The Red House, constructed in 1714. He also commissioned the architect Colen Campbell to design Newby Park house at Newby-on-Swale in the Palladian style, completed in 1721; this building is now listed as Grade I.

Sir William Robinson died on 22 December 1736 and was interred at Topcliffe. He fathered a total of six children, including five sons and one daughter. His eldest son, Metcalfe Robinson, died four days after him. The hereditary title was then passed to his second son, Tancred Robinson, who became a Rear-Admiral of the White and also served twice as Lord Mayor of York. Another son, Thomas Robinson, served as Secretary of State for the Southern Department and Leader of the House of Commons, and was elevated to the peerage as Baron Grantham in 1761.