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Sir Thomas Robinson, 1st Bt

(circa 1702-1777), Colonial governor and amateur architect

Sitter in 1 portrait
Governor of Barbados 1742-7 and Manager and Master of Ceremonies at Ranelagh Gardens. A son-in-law of the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. Robinson was an amateur architect and man of fashion whose career in politics and colonial administration funded an extravagant lifestyle. Robinson criticised Hawksmoor's work at Castle Howard. He rebuilt his family seat at Rokeby, 1725-30, in the latest Palladian style and designed other country houses. After debts forced him to sell Rokeby in 1769, he focused his energies on managing Ranelagh, London's most fashionable pleasure garden.

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Sir Thomas Robinson, 1st Bt

by Frans van der Mijn (or Myn)
oil on canvas, 1750
NPG 5275

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Sir Thomas Robinson, 1st Bt

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