Richard Birnie

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. Richard Birnie, 1819 engraving by William Say after James Green.

Life 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 (the future George IV), a favour Birnie retained until his death, he was made foreman and eventually a partner in the business; he married the daughter of a wealthy baker.

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. 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. Birnie was appointed to succeed him, and a knighthood was conferred on him in the September following. He died on 29 April 1832.