If you haven’t heard of Robert Pattinson yet, then maybe it’s time you looked him up. The British actor is one of the most popular figures in Hollywood right now, following in the footsteps of his fellow famous actor, Kristen Stewart. Since breaking into the mainstream with his role in The Twilight Saga, Pattinson has appeared in such films as Bel Ami, Cosmopolis, and Mad Max: Fury Road. Not too long ago, he was named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine.
Where did he come from? As it turns out, Robert Pattinson’s ancestry is a little bit complicated. Not only does he trace his roots to several different places, but it was not until later in life that he began to find his identity. To best understand Pattinson’s heritage, let’s take a look at his family tree.
Father: Francis Cecil Pattinson
Pattinson’s father, Francis Cecil Pattinson, was born in 1895 and came from a famous family of entertainers. Most notably, he was the nephew of the famous Drury Lane actress Ellen Ternan. He would go on to marry American vaudeville performer, Elizabeth Taylor, in 1919. After their divorce in 1925, Taylor regained custody of her five children, including Rob. Francis Cecil then married Katherine May, and together they had three more children. He passed away in 1945, leaving his family a £15,000 estate.
Pattinson’s mother, Katherine, was the daughter of a Yorkshire landowner. She was reportedly a beautiful and kind young woman who was often photographed with her children. Sadly, she passed away in 1947 from complications related to rheumatic fever, leaving behind a heartbroken six-year-old Robert.
Maternal Grandfather: Sir Edward Watkin, 2nd Baronet
Katherine’s father was Sir Edward Watkin, 2nd Baronet. He was born in London, and in 1841, he began his career as an architect, eventually becoming the founder of the modern-day city of Coventry. In 1864, he married Georgiana Maria Collinson. They would have two children, including Edward Watkin, 3rd Baronet. He was created the Baronet in 1886, and in 1890, he was appointed High Sheriff of Warwickshire. In 1901, he was appointed Governor of Barbados. He died in 1904, leaving his wife and two sons.
Edward Watkin, 3rd Baronet was Katherine’s maternal grandfather. He was a well-known explorer and a great admirer of Henry Morton Stanley. In 1876, he financed and organized the Henry Morton Stanley African Exploration Expedition to northern Africa. In 1879, he was joined by his friend and fellow explorer, Richard Barrett. Together, they explored the region and established two villages, Nyanza and Kisumu. Afterward, he became a keen advocate for African education and opened a school in Nairobi. His legacy lives on in the form of the Edward Watkin Trust, which funds English-speaking community schools in developing countries like Kenya and Uganda. Through the Edward Watkin Trust, over 300 teachers have been trained and are now supporting over 6,000 students in 18 schools. Additionally, Katherine’s great-grandfather, William Collinson, was an admiral in the Royal Navy. He was a member of the War Council at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and the following year, he was promoted to vice-admiral of the blue. He went on to serve as Governor of the Cape Colony from 1810 to 1816, and he died on January 28, 1824. He left his wife, Lady Margaret Collinson, and four sons.
Uncle: William Collinson
William Collinson was an admiral in the Royal Navy, and he was the uncle of Robert Pattinson. He was born in London, and in 1822, he became one of the first people to be granted a peerage. In 1841, he became Captain of the HMS Amphion, a steamer that transported soldiers and supplies for the Crimean War. He continued to serve in the navy until 1879, when he was made vice-admiral of the red. He then became governor of the Bahamas from 1881 to 1884 and governor of Newfoundland from 1884 to 1885. He retired in 1886 and died in London four years later.
Half-brother: Andrew Collinson
Katherine’s half-brother, Andrew Collinson, was an architect who designed the Albert Hall in London. He also designed the Savoy Hotel and the Earls Court Exhibition Centre. He was a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and in 1895, he established an architectural practice in London. In 1909, he designed the headquarters of the English Football Association, and he designed a number of schools, including the famous London School of Economics. He developed a form of concrete that he named after himself, which he used to build the famous Wembley Stadium. Andrew Collinson died in London in 1919, leaving his family an estate worth about £600,000.
Half-sister: Julia Collinson
Katherine’s half-sister, Julia Collinson, was the only child of Edward Watkin, 3rd Baronet and Lady Margaret Collinson. In 1893, she married George Herbert, who became the 8th Earl of Powis. Julia died in childbirth, leaving behind twin sons, George and John. Eighteen months later, on February 22, 1895, Julia gave birth to a second son, who she named after her father, Edward Watkin, Baronet. She would later give birth to another son, James, in 1901. Julia Herbert died in 1922 and was succeeded by her twin sons, George and John, as 9th and 10th earls of Powis. They also became the 9th and 10th baronset of Watkin, and Julia’s grandson, Giles, became the 11th Earl of Powis.
Husband: Rupert Sanders
Rupert Sanders is an Australian billionaire and co-founder of the supermarket chain, Future Inc. In 1967, he purchased a mansion in London’s High Park and started a renovation project that lasted seven years. In 1974, he married Mary Fisher, an American entrepreneur. Together, they have two daughters, Lola and Grace, and a son, Arthur. He is worth about US$10 billion as of 2018.
Mary Fisher Sanders is an American businesswoman who co-founded Joie de Vivre Worldwide with her husband, Rupert Sanders. She is also an heiress to the Fisher family fortune, which is estimated to be worth about US$12.7 billion. She has been a director of several companies, including Myer Emu Australia and Ciena Limited. In 1968, she married Rupert Sanders, and together they have a son and two daughters. Sanders is known for her philanthropic work, especially in the fields of education and the community.
As for the couple’s relationship, Sanders once said, “I married a dream girl. She’s beautiful, talented and a wonderful mother. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Mother: Margaret “Peggy” Taylor Collinson
Katherine’s mother was Margaret Taylor Collinson. She was born in London in 1884 and was named after her grandmother, Lady Taylor. In 1901, she married Sir Edward Watkin, 2nd Baronet, and the couple went on to have two children. They divorced in 1915, and Watkin became the executor of Taylor’s will. After Taylor’s death in 1920, Watkin married Peggy Taylor in 1921. She would go on to become a well-known and respected anthropologist. Sir Edward Watkin, 2nd Baronet died in 1936 and was succeeded by Margaret as the 3rd Baronet. She became an OBE in 1955 for services to education.
Step-Father: Thomas Spencer
Robert Pattinson’s step-father was Thomas Spencer. Spencer was a shipping agent who represented a firm called the White Star Line. In 1901, he married Katherine’s mother, Margaret “Peggy” Taylor Collinson. Spencer was an amateur photographer and became famous for his photos of royalty and celebrities. He also took photographs of famous explorers, such as the famed explorer and filmmaker, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Some of his most notable clients included author Joseph Conrad and illustrator Sir John Tenniel, the creator of the White Rabbit and the Mock Turtle.
As for the couple’s relationship, Spencer once said, “We’re very happy. She’s a good manager, as well as being an excellent cook. I enjoy my work, and she enjoys looking after the house.”