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William Overton

1525 – 1609

English bishop

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About William Overton

Lived 1525 – 1609 (aged 83–84). William Overton was a presbyter.

William Overton (c. 1525– 9 April 1609) was an English bishop.

Life He was born in Clerkenwell, Middlesex, England.

He became a Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1551, and rector of Balcombe (Sussex) and vicar of Eccleshall (Staffordshire) in 1553. He was also made a prebendary at Chichester, Winchester, and Salisbury. He became Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry in 1580, and remained in post until his death in 1609.

Glassmaking He was responsible for developing glassmaking in Staffordshire, importing artisans of French origin and supplying firewood from the episcopal estates. The glassworks he established near Eccleshall continued in production after his death, but were affected by legislation which forbade the use of wood for the furnace.

Personal life His first wife was Margaret Barlow (1533 - 1601), daughter of Bishop William Barlow and Agatha (Wellesbourne) Barlow, and they had Susan (Overton) Playsted and Valentine Overton (1565 - 1646).

Legacy While he was still alive, he made arrangements for his tomb which survives. It is in Holy Trinity Church in Eccleshall, a small town where the bishops had a residence, Eccleshall Castle.

Overton was interested in increasing the income of his diocese, which had been affected by the price revolution, but he had little success in improving the overall finances.

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Important facts

Born
1525
Birth century
Died
1609
Occupation
Positions held
Anglican Bishop of Lichfield
Employers
Magdalen College

People in William Overton's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Overton's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Overton?

English bishop

When was William Overton born?

William Overton was born in 1525.

When did William Overton die?

William Overton died in 1609.

What was William Overton's occupation?

William Overton was a presbyter.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Overton

· Wikidata: Q8016411

· DBpedia: William Overton (bishop)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Overton. https://biography.guide/william-overton/

MLA: "William Overton." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-overton/.

Chicago: "William Overton." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-overton/.

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