Sir Robert Liston, GCB, PC (1742 – July 15, 1836)[1][2] was a British diplomat and ambassador to several countries.
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Liston was born in Kirkliston, Scotland, went on to Edinburgh University, and then tutored the sons of the Earl of Minto.[3] Said to speak 10 languages,[1] Liston joined the diplomatic service and enjoyed a career spanning Europe, in addition to a posting in the United States.[3] In 1796 he married the heiress Henrietta Marchant of Antigua. Henrietta's charm and social tact were a great asset to her husband; she also kept an interesting diary in which she records favourable impressions of George Washington and John Adams,[4] and an unfavourable impression of Talleyrand. Robert was also on excellent terms with Washington, though relations cooled somewhat after Adams' election. On March 26, 1812 he was sworn a Privy Councillor, and on October 21, 1816, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Bath.[2] Liston's wife died c.1830 and he died in 1836.[2] He had no children.[2]
| Diplomatic posts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by George Hammond |
British Minister to the United States 1796 – 1800 |
Succeeded by Anthony Merry |