The son of physician Charles Hawkes Todd (1784–1826) and Elizabeth Bentley (1783–1862), Robert was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 9 April 1809.

At Hassel by Hull, Yorkshire, Robert Bentley Todd married Elizabeth Mary née Hart (1814–1894) 20 December 1836.

In one of the most sensational cases of its day, John Herriot Hart co-owner of The Whig Independent newspaper was imprisoned in Gloucester Gaol for liable [Annual Register vol 72 p. 74], before being transported to Tenerife.

Robert's younger sister, Margaret Gillmor Todd (1817–1876), married Elizabeth's brother, Capt.

The children of Robert Bentley Todd and Elizabeth née Hart; were He then moved to London, where he practised medicine and lectured.

Todd's abiding interests were in physiological medicine (a field then in its infancy) and in the improvement of hospital nursing, and always held to a high standard of general and religious knowledge.

Robert Bentley Todd died in his consulting rooms at his home located at 26 Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, Westminster, on 30 January 1860.

He immediately integrated newly available technology, particularly the microscope, into the study and practice of medicine, and was a driving force in raising the standards of medical knowledge.

Todd is remembered for his prescription of a hot drink of brandy, canella (white cinnamon), sugar syrup and water.