Robert Spence Watson (8 June 1837 – 2 March 1911) was an English solicitor, reformer, politician and writer.

[3] After some early tutoring, he received his secondary education at Bootham School, York and began studying at University College, London in 1853; he did not complete his degree there, but during that time, and later, he travelled abroad.

[1] In 1862 he became Secretary to the Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne and held that position for thirty-one years.

His work led to the Society accumulating the largest independent library outside London.

[1] On 9 June 1863 he married Elizabeth Richardson at the Friends’ meeting house, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle and they had six children.