William Overton (bishop)

William Overton (died 1609) was an English bishop of Coventry and Lichfield.

Overton was educated at Eton College and King's College, Cambridge, where he matriculated in 1543 and was a Fellow from 1546 to 1561. He graduated B.A. in 1547, M.A. in 1550, and B.D. in 1560.

He held various ecclesiastical positions, including prebendary of York from 1560 to 1580 and canon of Windsor from 1577. He was appointed Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield in 1580, a position he held until his death.

During his time as bishop, Overton faced challenges related to Puritanism and the enforcement of religious uniformity within his diocese. He also dealt with matters of church property and administration. He is recorded as having licensed a number of schoolmasters and preachers during his episcopate.

Overton died in 1609 and was buried at Eccleshall in Staffordshire.