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Filmer, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Filmer, Sir Robert, d. 1653, English royalist political writer, author of Patriarcha; or, The Natural Power of Kings (pub. posthumously in 1680), a defense of the divine right of monarchs by an exposi...

divine right

(Encyclopedia)divine right, doctrine that sovereigns derive their right to rule by virtue of their birth alone—a right based on the law of God and of nature. Authority is transmitted to a ruler from his ancestors...

Howard, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Howard, Sir Robert, 1626–98, English dramatist. He held several important government posts under Charles II. His introduction to his Foure New Plays (1665) initiated a dispute with his brother-in-la...

Helpmann, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Helpmann, Sir Robert, 1909–1986, Australian dancer and choreographer. He danced as a principal (1933–50) with Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet), often partnering with Margot Fonteyn. Hi...

Knolles, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Knolles or Knollys, Sir Robert both: nōlz [key], d. 1407, English military commander in the Hundred Years War. He became a leader of a company of mercenaries, fought against Bertrand Du Guesclin, who...

Robinson, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Robinson, Sir Robert, 1886–1975, British chemist, D.Sc. Univ. of Manchester, 1910. Robinson taught at the universities of Sydney (1912–15), Liverpool (1915–20), St. Andrews (1921–22), Manchest...

Bond, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Bond, Sir Robert, 1857–1927, Newfoundland political leader. He was educated in England and later entered Newfoundland politics. In 1890, he negotiated a reciprocity agreement between Newfoundland an...

Smirke, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Smirke, Sir Robert, 1781–1867, English architect, one of the most noted exponents of the classic revival. His best-known design is the main facade of the British Museum (1823–47). Other buildings ...

Strange, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Strange, Sir Robert, 1721–92, English engraver. The outstanding historical engraver of his day, he became a member of the academies of Rome, Florence, Bologna, and France and was the only English en...

Taylor, Sir Robert

(Encyclopedia)Taylor, Sir Robert, 1714–88, English architect. The son of a stonemason, he began his career as a sculptor's apprentice and was later employed to carve the pediment of Mansion House in London. He th...