William Thomson (bishop)

William Thomson (1819-1890) was an English clergyman and academic who served as Archbishop of York from 1862 until his death.

Born in Whitehaven, Cumberland, Thomson was educated at Shrewsbury School and The Queen's College, Oxford, where he obtained a double first in mathematics and classics. He became a fellow of the college in 1840 and was ordained in 1842.

Thomson held several academic positions at Oxford, including Dean of The Queen's College and Provost of the college from 1855. He was appointed Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol in 1861, but only held the position for a few months before being translated to the Archbishopric of York in 1862.

As Archbishop of York, Thomson was known for his administrative abilities and his commitment to education. He was involved in the establishment of several schools and colleges in the diocese. He also played a significant role in the debates surrounding the doctrine of the Church of England during the Victorian era. He was considered a moderate liberal within the church, advocating for reform but resisting radical changes.

Thomson was a prolific writer and speaker, authoring works on a variety of subjects including logic, theology, and ethics. He contributed to the Speaker's Commentary and published An Outline of the Necessary Laws of Thought.

He died at Bishopthorpe Palace, York, in 1890.