Robert Burnell (
c. 1239 – 1292) was an English bishop who served as
Lord Chancellor of England from 1274 to 1292. A native of
Shropshire, he served as a minor royal official before entering into 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—which included a long-term mistress who was rumoured to have borne him four sons—prevented his confirmation by the papacy. In 1275 Burnell was elected
Bishop of Bath and Wells, after Edward had appointed him Lord Chancellor in 1274. He was behind the efforts of the royal officials to enforce royal rights during his term of office as chancellor, including the implementation of the
quo warranto procedures. He also helped with the legislative and legal reforms of Edward's reign. During Burnell's tenure the chancellor's office and records became fixed in London rather than travelling with the king. He went abroad on diplomatic missions for Edward, and for a time governed
Gascony. (
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