Robert Owen Clayton (1 January 1844 – 26 November 1901)[1] was a Welsh first-class cricketer.
Born Penygroes, Caernarvonshire, Clayton was a right arm fast bowler, he played 70 matches for Yorkshire between 1870 and 1879,[1] and 121 in all, with 33 appearances for the MCC between 1872 and 1881, plus appearances for the North of England (1871-1877), Single (1871), Players of the North (1876-1877), United North of England Eleven (1876) and an England XI (1877).
He was a devastating bowler on his day, taking 254 first-class wickets in all matches at 16.75.
He was a leather dresser by trade, and became a first-class umpire after retiring from the field of play, standing in at least 76 matches between 1876 and 1900.
Clayton died aged 57, in November 1901 in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.