He joined the army, becoming a Cornet in the 2nd Dragoon Guards in 1715, and being promoted to Lieutenant in 1717. He probably resigned his commission on inheriting his father's estate at Berrington, Herefordshire in 1718.[2]
He died suddenly, having forecast his own demise and that of his cousin General Henry Cornewall, as recorded in the Gentleman's Magazine:
It is remarkable that a few days before this gentleman's illness, he foretold that he should soon be taken ill, and that his cousin, Gen. Cornwall, and another gentleman of his acquaintance, would also be taken ill at the same time, and they should all die within a short space of each other. The General was accordingly taken ill, as Sir Robert had predicted, and not knowing what he had said concerning their illness and death, told his friends to the same purport. The two cousins died within a few minutes of one another. The gentleman their friend was taken ill about the same time but is recovered.[6]
Sir Robert died unmarried on 4 April 1756 and was buried at Eye 13 days later.[1] His estate was inherited by his nephew Charles Wolfran Cornwall.[3]
^Foljambe and Reade claim that Robert was himself created a baronet by George II, but died before the patent was signed. Cokayne describes this claim as "singularly incorrect."
