Robert Southwell (diplomat)

Robert Southwell (1635–1702) was an English diplomat, civil servant, and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament for Lostwithiel and Penryn. Born in Kinsale, Ireland, to Robert Southwell and Elizabeth Starkey, he was educated at Queen's College, Oxford.

Southwell held several important positions throughout his career. He served as Clerk of the Privy Council in Ireland and later became Principal Secretary of State for Ireland, a role he held for many years under various monarchs. He was knighted in 1665. His diplomatic career included serving as Envoy Extraordinary to the Elector of Brandenburg.

Southwell was also a Fellow of the Royal Society and took an active interest in scientific matters, maintaining correspondence with prominent scientists of the time. He played a significant role in the administration of Ireland during a turbulent period and was instrumental in implementing policies related to trade and governance. He married Elizabeth Cromwell, granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell's aunt, and had several children, including Edward Southwell, who also became a prominent politician.