Dr. Atterbury resided facing the river, near the Old Church, in 1695, as appears by the parish books, and afterwards in Church Street, for several years; one of his letters is dated from hence in 1698. There he became acquainted with Swift, in 1711, to whom he was before unknown.
Francis Atterbury, Bishop of Rochester, was born in 1662, and was educated in Westminster School, and afterwards was elected a Student of Christ Church, Oxford, where he soon distinguished himself by his wit and learning, and gave early proofs of his poetical talents. In 1687, he made his first essay in controversial writing, and shewed himself an able and strenuous advocate for the Protestant religion. In 1691 he took holy orders, and was elected in the same year Lecturer of St. Bride’s, London, and Preacher of Bridewell Chapel.
Upon the accession of Queen Anne, in 1702, Dr. Atterbury was appointed one of her Majesty’s Chaplains in Ordinary; and in 1704 was advanced to the Deanery of Carlisle. In 1713, at the recommendation of Lord Chancellor Harcourt, the Queen promoted him to the Bishopric of Rochester.
In 1722, Dr. Atterbury, on suspicion of being concerned in a plot in favour of the Pretender, was apprehended and committed to the Tower. Shortly afterwards he was condemned to perpetual exile. Just before this, a large fine dropped to him as Dean of Westminster, but he could have no right to receive it without the seal being set to it in full chapter. Sir Robert Walpole earnestly enquired whether a Chapter could not be held in the Tower, that he might receive the benefit of the fine. A chapter was accordingly there held, and the Bishop received a £1000 for his share. This anecdote, which is well authenticated, does great credit to the liberality of Walpole.
Dr. Atterbury, in his private character, was most amiable and exemplary; as a preacher he was eloquent, and as a writer, his sermons, letters and other tracts, proved most decidedly that he possessed piety, genius, and erudition. On the 18th of June, 1723, having the day before taken leave of his friends, this eminent prelate embarked on board the Aldborough man-of-war, and landed on the Friday following at Calais.
A prelate for wit, and for eloquence fam’d, Apollo soon miss’d, and he need not be nam’d; Since amidst a whole bench, of which some are so bright, No one of them shines so learn’d and polite.—_Sheffield_, 1719.