While holding this office he rebuilt his official residence, which had been reduced to ruins by the parliamentary forces on the storming of the castle and close in 1644.

On the death of Michael Honywood in 1681, he was recommended for the deanery of Lincoln by Archbishop William Sancroft, but unsuccessfully, it having been promised to Daniel Brevint.

On the serious illness of the latter in 1685, Gardiner applied to the archbishop for his support for the anticipated vacancy, which, however, did not occur till 1695.

[2] He was an antiquary and assisted Simon Patrick, when Dean of Peterborough, in deciphering and transcribing the charters and muniments of the abbey.

He also published twenty sermons left in manuscript by William Outram, of which a second edition was printed in 1797.