Robert Southwell (lawyer)

Robert Southwell (born circa 1563, died October 16, 1598) was an English lawyer and government official who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He is primarily known for his role as a key figure in the investigations surrounding the Babington Plot, a conspiracy to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Southwell was a skilled interrogator and played a significant role in gathering evidence against the conspirators. His legal training and experience proved valuable in unraveling the details of the plot and securing confessions from those involved. He worked closely with Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth's Principal Secretary and spymaster, in uncovering and prosecuting the plotters.

Beyond his involvement in the Babington Plot, Southwell held other positions within the English government. Details about his early life and specific legal career prior to his government service are somewhat scarce. However, his crucial involvement in a major political and security event of the Elizabethan era firmly establishes his place in English history.

His exact relationship, if any, to the Jesuit priest and poet, Saint Robert Southwell, is unclear but they were contemporaries.