Christopher Robinson

Christopher Robinson (1712–1787) was an Irish barrister and judge, who for many years was the senior ordinary judge of the Irish courts of common law. He is best remembered for giving the adventurer Francis Higgins the nickname "The Sham Squire", and for his impressive collection of legal textbooks, which forms the basis of the Library of the King's Inns. Early career He was born in Dublin, eldest son of Bryan Robinson (1689–1754), Regius Professor of Physic at Trinity College Dublin and President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, and his wife Mary. The Robinson family came originally from Clapham, North Yorkshire. He had two brothers, one of whom, Robert, became a doctor, and like his father was elected President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Christopher was tutored at home, and matriculated from the University of Dublin in 1729. He entered Lincoln's Inn in 1732, was called to the Bar in 1737, and took silk in 1745. He acted on occasion as an extra judge of assize. Though a man of strong opinions he seems to have had no interest in politics as such, and never sat in the Irish Parliament. Judge He was appointed a judge of the Court of King's Bench (Ireland) in 1758 and served on the Court until his death almost thirty years later. His appointment was said to be a reward for writing pamphlets supporting the Government.