Gilbert Burnet (1643 – 1715), Bishop of Salisbury

Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646/9 - London 1723). Oil painting on canvas, Gilbert Burnet (1643–1715) Bishop of Salisbury by Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646/9 - London 1723), signed lower right: G Kneller f./1693. This is the one picture to have remained at Wimpole since the time of the Hardwickes, and was probably acquired by the 2nd Earl because of his great admiration for the sitter, who was, by contrast, anathema to the Harleys. Gilbert Burnet played a prominent role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, and was appointed Bishop of Salisbury in 1689. He thus became ex officio Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, in whose robes he is shown. The superb Palladian frame may have been carved by Matthias Lock (fl. 1710-65) Wimpole, Cambridgeshire (Accredited Museum)