Robinson was descended from a wealthy York merchant, also called William Robinson, who had been Lord Mayor of York and its Member of Parliament during the reign of Elizabeth I. His uncle Metcalfe Robinson had been created a baronet in 1660, but died without issue in 1689, so that the baronetcy became extinct. On 13 February 1690, William was made a baronet to revive the title.
He went up to Street John"s College, Cambridge in 1670. Sir William was Member of Parliament for Northallerton from 1689 to 1695, and for York from 1698 until 1722. He was also High Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1689 and Lord Mayor of York in 1700.
1st Parliament of Great Britain. 2nd Parliament of Great Britain. 3rd Parliament of Great Britain.
4th Parliament of Great Britain.
5th Parliament of Great Britain.
