Portal:Somerset/Selected biography/7

Robert Burnell
B. c. 1239 – d. 25 October 1292

Robert Burnell (sometimes Robert Burnel) was an English bishop who served as Lord Chancellor of England from 1274–1292. A native of Shropshire, he served as a minor royal official before switching to the service of Prince Edward, the future King Edward I of England. When Edward went on the Eighth Crusade in 1270, Burnell stayed in England to secure the prince's interests. He served as regent after the death of King Henry III of England while Edward was still on Crusade. He was twice elected Archbishop of Canterbury, but his personal life prevented his confirmation by the papacy. In 1275 he was elected Bishop of Bath and Wells, after Edward had appointed him Lord Chancellor in 1274. (Full article...)