Cumberland, Richard (1631-1718), Bishop of Peterborough and Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge

• Richard Cumberland, DD, Bishop of Peterborough

Born in London where his father was a tailor. Educated at St Paul’s School where he was friends with Samuel Pepys.

Matriculated from Magdalene in 1649 and became a Fellow in 1653. Amongst his friends and contemporaries at Magdalene were Hezekiah Burton, Sir Samuel Morland and Orlando Bridgeman.

In 1658 he was made Rector of Brampton Ash in Northamptonshire and in 1661 was appointed as one of the twelve preachers of the University. In 1670 he became Rector of All Saints in Stamford and married Anne Quinsey. In 1672 he published De Legibus Naturae which was dedicated to Sir Orlando Bridgeman.
In 1691 he was made Bishop of Peterborough and only found out when he read the newspaper in a coffee house in Stamford. He was persuaded to accept by his friends although he refused any further appointments. He carried out his new duties with energy and continued his episcopal visitations until he was 80. He was distinguished by his gentleness and humility. He died on 8 October 1718 and is buried in Peterborough Cathedral.

Like Bishop Rainbow (see WA/A/106) he gave all his surplus revenue to the poor, reserving only £25 to pay for his funeral.

Memorial brass in Chapel.

Wikipedia