William Robertson (historian)

William Robertson FRSE FSA Scot
Portrait painting of William Robertson, by Joshua Reynolds
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh
In office 1 February 1762 – 11 June 1793
Preceded by	John Gowdie
Succeeded by	George Baird
Personal details
Born	(1721-09-19)19 September 1721 Borthwick, Midlothian, Scotland
Died	11 June 1793(1793-06-11) (aged 71) Edinburgh, Scotland
Nationality	British
Alma mater	University of Edinburgh
Known for	Principal of the University of Edinburgh Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Historiographer Royal
Scientific career
Fields	History

William Robertson FRSE FSA Scot (19 September 1721 – 11 June 1793) was a Scottish historian, minister in the Church of Scotland, and Principal of the University of Edinburgh. "The thirty years during which [he] presided over the University perhaps represent the highest point in its history."^[1] He made significant contributions to the writing of Scottish history and the history of Spain and Spanish America.^[2] For his history of Spain, he was elected to Spain's Royal Academy of History.

He was Chaplain of Stirling Castle and one of the King's Chaplains in Scotland.