Burnell, Robert

Burnell, Robert an English prelate of the 13th century, son of lord Robert Burnell, of Acton-Burnell Castle, Shropshire, was by Edward I preferred bishop of Bath and Wells, and treasurer, and then chancellor of England. He was well versed in Welsh affairs; and that he might the more effectually attend to them caused the court of chancery to be kept at Bristol. He acquired great wealth, wherewith he rebuilt his paternal castle. He also built (for his successors in the bishopric) the Hall at Wells. He died in Scotland, where he was attending to some business of the king, and was buried in his own cathedral, in 1292. See Fuller, Worthies of England (ed. Nuttall), iii, 57.