Robinson was born in
Northowram,
Yorkshire. Standing 6'2", his expansive reach earned him the nickname "The Octopus." During the First World War, he served as a gunner with the
Royal Garrison Artillery in France and was awarded the
Military Medal. He remained in Yorkshire and was a frequent site at
Thrum Hall, where he was one of the most popular players of his era. He died at age 40 some time after undergoing an operation for an internal health complaint. ==Playing career==