Sir Richard Birnie (c. 1760 – 1832) was a Scottish police magistrate in London, who came to prominence for his involvement with the Cato Street Conspiracy.
He was a native of Banff, Aberdeenshire, born about 1760. After serving an apprenticeship to a saddler he came to London, and worked for the house of Macintosh & Co., in the Haymarket, saddlers and harness-makers to the royal family. In favour with the Prince of Wales, he was made foreman and eventually a partner in the business; he married the daughter of a wealthy baker. [1]
After his marriage Birnie rented a house in St Martin-in-the-Fields parish, and took part in parochial affairs. He established almshouses in Pratt Street, Camden Town. He also enrolled himself in the Royal Westminster Volunteers, in which he became a captain. At the request of the Duke of Northumberland he was placed in the commission of the peace, and began to frequent the Bow Street Magistrates' Court. [1]
In time Birnie was appointed police magistrate at Union Hall court [1] (which later became Southwark Police Court). [2] After a few years he was promoted to be a magistrate at Bow Street. In February 1820 he headed the police officers in the apprehension of the Cato Street conspirators. [1]
At the funeral of Queen Caroline in August 1821 Birnie took the initiative in reading the Riot Act, which Sir Robert Baker, the chief magistrate, refused to do. [1] Shortly afterwards Baker resigned; he had been criticised, for example by the Tory Harriet Arbuthnot for his soft line, in the violent circumstances where there had already been deaths. [3] Birnie was appointed to succeed him, and a knighthood was conferred on him in the September following. [1]
In 1823, Birnie refused to enforce the unpopular Poor rate in Acton, causing it to be reduced for some householders. [4]
Birnie retained throughout life the special favour of George IV. He died on 29 April 1832. [1]
Birnie and his wife Louisa had a son Richard Birnie (1808–1888), a barrister and journalist, who emigrated to Australia in 1854. [5]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: " Birnie, Richard". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.