the fittest man he could nominate to the
bishopric of Peterborough. Thus a private country clergyman, without
posting to Court--a place he had rarely seen--without suing to great
men, without taking the least step towards soliciting for it, was
pitched upon to fill a great trust, only because he was fittest for it.
He walked after his usual manner on a post-day to the coffee-house, and
read in the newspaper that one Dr Cumberland of Stamford was named to
the bishopric of Peterborough, a greater surprise to himself than to
anybody else." His chaplain speaks of the bishop's character, zeal, and
learning in terms of unqualified praise. One of the bishop's sons,
Richard, was Archdeacon of Northampton, and father of Denison
Cumberland, Bishop of Clonfert and of Kilmore. This last named married a
daughter of Dr Bentley, the famous Master of Trinity College, Cambridge,
and one of their sons was Richard Cumberland, the dramatist. Bishop
Richard Cumberland is buried in the Cathedral, and a tablet to his
memory remains in the New Building.

=White Kennett= (1718-1728) had been Dean. He was a most industrious
writer, many of his works, which are upwards of fifty in number, being
most laborious. His manuscript collections in the British Museum are
also of great value. He is best known from his antiquarian tastes and
studies, and for having directed the attention of his clergy to the
value of parish registers. It would seem that before his time no
transcripts of parish registers were ever sent to the Bishop's Registry
at Peterborough. The earliest transcripts now to be found date only from
the beginning of his episcopate, except that, in a few instances, some
incumbents appear to have sent the entries for six or eight years
previously. Notwithstanding the efficiency of his predecessor he "found
the irregularities of the diocese great and many." The Cathedral service
was negligently conducted, many clergy were non-resident, some small
benefices had been left unfilled. Many other abuses were discovered from
time to time. Bishop Kennett was most active and conscientious in
administering his office, and thoroughly re-organised the diocese; but
his strong political partisanship made for him a great number of
enemies. The enmity he raised came to a culminating point while he was
still dean. An altar-piece representing the Last Supper had been
painted for Whitechapel Church.[38] In this Judas was painted turning
round to the spectator, and