Richard Watson (1781–1833) was a British Methodist theologian, a leading figure of Wesleyan Methodism in the early 19th century.

His father, a saddler, held Calvinist views, and Richard was brought up in the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion.

[2] In 1796, Watson preached his first sermon, and moved to Newark-on-Trent as assistant to Thomas Cooper, as a Wesleyan preacher.

[2] In 1801, Watson married Mary Henslow of Castle Donington, daughter of a Methodist New Connexion preacher there.

He was first stationed at Stockport, then from 1806 at Liverpool, where he engaged in literary work for Thomas Kaye.

He was deeply attached to the Anglican prayer-book, and was anxious to keep Methodism in friendly relations with the establishment.

[6] It was the first attempt to systematize John Wesley's theology and, by extension, Methodist doctrine.