(Dr White), a learned English writer and bishop of Peterborough, in the 18th century, bred at St Edmund's Hall, Oxford; where he soon distinguished himself by his vigorous application to his studies, and by his translations of several books into English, and other pieces which he published. In 1705 our author published his Parochial Antiquities. A sermon preached by him on the 30th of January 1703 at Aldgate exposed him to great clamour. It was printed under the title of A compassionate inquiry into the causes of the civil war. In 1706, he published his Case of Impropriations, and two other tracts on the same subject. In 1706, he published the third volume of The Complete History of England (the two former volumes compiled by Mr Hughes). In 1709, he published A Vindication of the Church and Clergy of England from some late reproaches rudely and unjustly cast upon them; and A true Answer to Dr Sacheverell's Sermon. When the great point in Dr Sacheverell's trial, the change of the ministry, was gained, and very strange addresses were made upon it, there was to be an artful address from the bishop and clergy of London, and they who would not subscribe it were to be represented as enemies to the queen and the ministry. Dr Kennet fell under this imputation. He was exposed Ken, to great odium as a low church man, on account of Kennicott; his conduct and writings. When he was dean of Peterborough, a very uncommon method was taken to expose him by Dr Walton, rector of the church of White-chapel: for in the altar-piece of that church, which was intended for a representation of Christ and his 12 apostles eating the pasover and last supper, Judas the traitor was drawn sitting in an elbow-chair, dressed in a black garment, with a great deal of the air of Dr Kennet's face. It was generally said that the original sketch was for a bishop under Dr Walton's displeasure; but the painter being apprehensive of an action of Scandalum Magnum, leave was given to drop the bishop, and make the dean. This giving general offence, upon the complaint of others (for Dr Kennet never saw it, or seemed to regard it), the bishop of London ordered the picture to be taken down.

In 1713, he presented the society for propagating the gospel with a great number of books, suitable to their design; published his Bibliotheca Americana Primordia, and founded an antiquarian and historical library at Peterborough. In 1715, he published a sermon, intitled The Witchcraft of the present Rebellion, and afterward several other pieces. In 1717, he engaged in a dispute with Dr William Nicholson, bishop of Carlisle, relating to some alterations in the bishop of Bangor's famous sermon; and disliked the proceedings of the convocation against that bishop. Upon the death of Dr Cumberland bishop of Peterborough, he was promoted to that see, to which he was consecrated in 1718. He sat in it more than ten years, and died in 1728. He was an excellent philologist, a good preacher, whether in English or Latin, and well versed in the histories and antiquities of our nation.

Kennet (Baill), a learned English writer, and brother to the preceding, was educated in Corpus Christi college, in the university of Oxford, where he became fellow. In 1706, he went over chaplain to the English factory at Leghorn; where he met with great opposition from the Papists, and was in danger from the inquisition. He died in the year 1714. He published Lives of the Greek Poets; the Roman Antiquities; a volume of Sermons preached at Leghorn; A translation into English of Puffendorf's Treatise of the Law of Nature and Nations. He was a man of most exemplary integrity, generosity, piety, and modesty.