Robert Bickersteth (bishop)

Robert Bickersteth (24 August 1816 – 15 April 1884) was an English Anglican bishop.

Bickersteth was born in Acton, Suffolk, the son of Reverend John Bickersteth, rector of Sapcote, Leicestershire and later Watton, Hertfordshire, and Henrietta Baugh Travis. He was educated at Shrewsbury School and Caius College, Cambridge, where he graduated Senior Optime in 1839.

He was ordained deacon in 1841 and priest in 1842. He served as curate at St. John's, Workington (1841-1843) and then at Holy Trinity, Clapham (1843-1851). In 1851, he became Rector of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, London. He was consecrated Bishop of Ripon in 1857, a position he held until his death in 1884.

Bickersteth was a prominent evangelical within the Church of England. He was a strong advocate for missionary work and education. He was known for his pastoral care and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He published several volumes of sermons and charges to his clergy.

He married Elizabeth Parker in 1848. They had several children, including Robert Bickersteth, a physician, and Samuel Bickersteth, who succeeded him as Bishop of Ripon.