Robert French (1716 – 1776) was a County Galway landlord and Member of Parliament, .
French's family were one of The Tribes of Galway. His ancestor, Patrick Béag French (died 1630) was one of the two Galwaymen who successfully petitioned James II for a town charter, awarded in 1610. Patrick's great-grandson was Patrick "Silvertongue" French conformed to the Established Church and was the father of Robert.
Robert French is remember for being an improving landlord of his estates, centred around Monivea in central County Galway. He rebuilt the village into its present spacious form, taught new farming techniques to his tenants and stood for election to the Parliament of Ireland, a position impossible to aspire to if his father had remained Catholic.
He married Nicolas, sister of Viscount Gosford and had issue. He also had seven children by his mistress, Winifred Higgins.
| Parliament of Ireland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Charles Daly Frederick Trench |
Member of Parliament for Galway County 1753–1761 With: Charles Daly |
Succeeded by Charles Daly Richard Trench |