Robert Lindley (4 March 1776 – 13 June 1855)[1] was an English cellist and academic, described as "probably the greatest violoncellist of his time".

[1][2] In 1794 he succeeded Sperati as principal cello at Italian Opera in London, and at important concerts; he remained in the post until retirement in 1851.

For many years he was a friend of the double-bass player Domenico Dragonetti, who joined the opera orchestra at the same time.

"[2] Lindley had a "great reputation as an accompanist" during a time in which cellists were required to improvise whilst accompanying singers.

[4] His son William Lindley (1802–1869) also became a cellist; because of nervousness he did not fulfill his early promise, and withdrew from public performance.