William Gibson (bishop)

William Gibson (bishop) was an English Roman Catholic bishop who served as the Vicar Apostolic of the Northern District from 1780 to 1790.

Gibson was born in 1738, the son of John Gibson of Stonecroft in Northumberland. He was educated at the English College, Douai, and ordained a priest in 1762. He served as a professor at Douai before returning to England as a missionary priest.

In 1780, Gibson was appointed Coadjutor Vicar Apostolic of the Northern District, and Titular Bishop of Acanthus. He succeeded Bishop Francis Petre as Vicar Apostolic later that year. During his episcopate, he oversaw the construction of new chapels and worked to strengthen the Catholic community in the North of England. He also played a significant role in negotiations regarding the proposed Catholic Relief Act of 1791, which aimed to ease some of the legal restrictions placed on Catholics. Although he died before the act was passed, his efforts contributed to its eventual enactment.

Gibson died in 1790 and was succeeded by William Walton as Vicar Apostolic. He is remembered for his dedication to the Catholic faith and his efforts to improve the lives of Catholics in England during a time of significant social and political change.