Gilbert Burnet (1643-1715)

Bishop of Salisbury and historian

Gilbert Burnet's publications include 'History of the Reformation' and 'History of my own Time'. He bequeathed a number of his books, 'The Bishop's Library'; to his home parish of Saltoun in East Lothian and a sum of £2000 for the education and clothing of 30 poor children. He died in London in 1715.

Birth in 1643

Gilbert Burnet was baptised on 21 September 1643, the son of Robert Burnet, advocate and Rachel Johnstoune. The entry in the Old Parish Register (OPR) for Edinburgh includes the names of four witnesses.

Baptism entry for Gilbert Burnet (20 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, OPR 685-1/5