The Right Reverend William Bishop | |
|---|---|
| Vicar Apostolic of England | |
| Appointed | 15 March 1623 |
| Term ended | 13 April 1624 |
| Predecessor | new post |
| Successor | Richard Smith |
| Other post(s) | Titular Bishop of Chalcedon |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1581 |
| Consecration | 4 June 1623 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1553 |
| Died | 13 April 1624 (aged 70–71) |
| Nationality | English |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
William Bishop (c. 1553 – 13 April 1624) was an English Catholic prelate who served as the first Catholic bishop in England after the Reformation, serving as Vicar Apostolic of England.
Catholicism had been banned in England in 1559. Bishop was appointed as vicar apostolic in 1623. As Catholicism was officially illegal in England at the time, he was given the Titular See of Chalcedon in Asia Minor. He arrived in England secretly on 31 July 1623 at age 70 and had to walk 12 miles to find refuge. He identified and selected 20 archdeacons to take charge over geographical districts. He one of several recorded bishops named Bishop.