William Overton (bishop)

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

He was born in Clerkenwell, Middlesex, England.

He became a Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1551, and rector of Balcombe and vicar of Eccleshall in 1553. He was also made a prebendary at Chichester, Winchester, and Salisbury. He became Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield in 1580, and remained there until his death in 1609. He was responsible for introducing glassmaking, importing artisans from Lorraine.

He married Margaret Barlow (1533 - 1601), daughter of Bishop William Barlow and Agatha (Wellesbourne) Barlow, and they had Susan (Barlow) Playsted and Valentine Barlow (1565 - 1646).

He is buried in Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall.