Robert Bickersteth (1789-1857) was born in Kirby Lonsdale, Westmorland, where his father was engaged in a large medical practice. He belonged to a family distinguished as bishops and clergy of the Church of England.

After an apprenticeship, he studied in Edinburgh and London, becoming an MRCS in 1806. After starting in practice, he was elected Surgeon to the Liverpool Infirmary in 1810 (when 23), and held the appointment for forty years, after which he was made Consulting Surgeon. His son Edward Robert Bickersteth and his grandson Robert Alexander succeeded him as surgeons to Liverpool Infirmary.

Robert Bickersteth was an active member of the Medical Institution, and joined the British Medical Association. He died of inflammation of the lungs at his home in Rodney Street, Liverpool.