Thomas, bishop of Winchester, was born in that city in 1536. He was successively fellow of New College, Oxford, master of Winchester School, prebendary of the cathedral, and warden of Winchester College. In 1596 he was consecrated bishop of Worcester; and next year translated to the see of Winchester, and sworn of Queen Elizabeth's privy council. He was one of the principal managers of the Hampton Court conference in 1604; and he was the colleague of Dr Miles Smith, bishop of Gloucester, in the revision of the new edition of the Bible. He died in 1616, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Bishop Bilson bore the character of a learned divine, an able civilian, and an upright man.

His principal works are entitled, *The true difference between Christian Subjection and Unchristian Rebellion*, Oxf. 1585, 4to, Lond. 1586, 8vo; *The Perpetual Government of Christ's Church*, Lond. 1593, 4to, black letter; *The effect of certain Sermons touching the full redemption of mankind by the death and blood of Christ*, &c., Lond. 1599, 4to; *The survey of Christ's sufferings for man's redemption, and of his descent to Hades or Hell*, Lond. 1604, fol.