Robert Barrie

Robert Barrie

Sir Robert Barrie KCB, KCH (5 May 1774 – 7 June 1841) was a British officer of the Royal Navy noted for his service in the War of 1812.

He was helped early in his naval career by the patronage of his uncle, Sir Alan Gardner, who arranged for him to take part in the Vancouver Expedition. Barrie then commanded a number of ships during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, winning fame for capturing a several important French prisoners, including Napoleon's brother Lucien Bonaparte. He was particularly active during the War of 1812, carrying out several successful attacks on American towns and shipping in the Penobscot River region, and helping to destroy the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla. After a brief period spent living in France Barrie took up the post of Commissioner of the dockyard at Kingston. He was active in a number of areas, building and expanding the dockyard and promoting important hydrographic surveys and the construction of canals. He cultivated friendships with several important political figures, and on his return to England in 1834 received a number of honours.