Robert Spencer, 4th Earl of Sunderland (24 October 1701 – 15 September 1729) was a British peer, the son of the Whig politician, Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland. His mother was Lady Anne Churchill, the daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. Known as Lord Spencer between 1702 and 1722, he succeeded to the Earldom after his father's death in, but died in 1729 with no children. Therefore, his brother, Charles, became 5th Earl of Sunderland, and subsequently 3rd Duke of Marlborough after the death of his aunt, Henrietta Godolphin (née Churchill), 2nd Duchess of Marlborough.
Robert Spencer was the potential heir to the dukedom of Marlborough. Had he survived, the dukedom would have passed through his family, possibly cancelling out many members of the current line, including Sir Winston Churchill.
| Peerage of England | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Charles Spencer |
Earl of Sunderland 1722 – 1729 |
Succeeded by Charles Spencer |