Robert Willson (bishop)
The Most Reverend Robert Willson | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Hobart | |
| Diocese | Hobart |
| Installed | 22 April 1842 |
| Term ended | 30 June 1866 |
| Successor | Daniel Murphy |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 16 December 1824 |
| Consecration | 28 October 1842 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert William Willson 1794 Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, UK |
| Died | 30 June 1866 (aged 71–72) Nottingham, England, UK |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Alma mater | St Mary's College, Oscott |
Robert William Willson (1794 – 30 June 1866) was an English Roman Catholic bishop and the first Bishop of Hobart. Born in Lincolnshire in 1794, Willson spent 18 years as a priest in Nottingham and became known for his work in prisons and asylums. He was selected as the first Bishop of Hobart in 1842. Following his move to Australia, he became known for his social reform efforts, including his work as a campaigner against convict transportation and his advocacy for improved conditions in insane asylums. Willson died during a visit to England in 1866.