Burney was born in Chiswick and educated at Merton College, Oxford.He was Archdeacon of St Albans from 1840 to 1845; and then of Colchester until his death.
Burney was born in Chiswick, educated at Merton College, Oxford and became the incumbent at Sible Hedingham. Later, he was Archdeacon of St Albans from 1840 to 1845; and then of Colchester until his death.