Richard Willis (bishop)

Richard Willis (1664 – 20 July 1734) was an English Anglican bishop.

He was born in Fen Ditton, Cambridgeshire, and educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford (matriculated 1681, B.A. 1685, M.A. 1688, B.D. & D.D. 1705). He was ordained a priest in 1688.

Willis rose through the ranks of the Church of England, holding various positions including:

• Chaplain to King William III
• Dean of Lincoln (1705-1717)
• Bishop of Gloucester (1715-1721)
• Bishop of Salisbury (1721-1723)
• Bishop of Winchester (1723-1734)

He was known for his moderate Whig politics and his support for the Hanoverian succession. He was also a respected theologian and preacher. Willis died in Winchester and was buried in Winchester Cathedral. His monument can be found there.