Robert Burnell, bishop of Bath and Wells, chancellor (d.1292)
- Biography
- Robert Burnell was probably the son of Roger Burnell (d. 1259×), from whom he might have inherited the manor of Acton. His family probably originated in Shropshire. He had three brothers, two who were killed in 1282 fighting against the Welsh, and a third, Hugh (d. 1286), whose son, Philip, was Robert?s heir. He was a senior clerk for Prince Edward of England and was soon one of his 'four lieutenants'. He was also archdeacon of York by 1273. He replaced Walter of Merton as chancellor upon Edward?s coronation and in January 1275 he was elected bishop of Bath and Wells. He had several illegitimate children, including Amabilla, who married Andrew Hengham, Joan, who married Ralph of Grendon, and Master William Burnell, dean of Wells. He died at Berwick on 25 October 1292 and was buried at Wells; he had amassed eighty-two manors around England, which passed to his nephew, Philip (d.1294).
http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/4055
- Floruits
- 1282 × 1282
- Related Place
- Bath and Wells