Turner, Francis (1637-08-23 - 1700-11-02)

Born 23 August 1637 to Thomas Turner, chaplain to Charles I, and Margaret Windebank, daughter of Sir Francis Windebank, secretary of state. Scholar of Winchester College in 1650; probationer of New College, Oxford in 1655; BA, 1659; MA, 1663. Around this time, accepted position as chaplain to Anne, duchess of York, wife of future James II. Rector of Therfield, Hertfordshire,1664-1683. In 1665, incorporated at nearby Cambridge; fellow-commoner at St John's College, Cambridge. BD and DD at Oxford in 1669. In December, 1669 he became prebend of Seating at St Paul's Cathedral. In 1670, he succeeded Gunning as master of St John's College. Resigned his mastership in late 1679 to take up position as chaplain to the Anglicans in James' household, then exiled in Scotland. In 1683, installed dean of Windsor and became rector of Great Haseley, Oxfordshire. In November, he was consecrated bishop of Rochester and made lord almoner. Translated to Ely in 1684. His relationship soured with James once he ascended the throne, and was one of the signatories of the 3 October 1688 bishops' advice recommending James reverse most of his religious policies. Yet, he vehemently opposed William's assumption of the throne, preferring a regency. Suspended as a nonjuring bishop 1 August 1689. In 1691, letters sent to James assuring him of the nonjuring bishops' loyalty were intercepted, forcing Turner into hiding lest he be arrested. Died 2 November 1700.