JACKSON, THOMAS (1812-85) was principal of the Battersea Training College and a prebendary of St Paul's, and had made many speeches in England on behalf of the Canterbury Association before being chosen as Bishop of Lyttelton.

When the letters patent were examined it was found that the diocese of New Zealand, to which Bishop Selwyn had been consecrated, could not be divided without his consent, and that therefore Jackson must go out first and be consecrated afterwards. He accordingly came to Canterbury in 1851 in the Castle Eden to take up his see. Each of the ships carried a clergyman selected by him. Jackson had an interview with Selwyn, who was quite ready to relinquish portion of his vast diocese and wished him to go to Sydney for ordination, but after inspecting his diocese he decided to return to England, and on arriving there resigned his appointment. He is described as a talented and amiable man, but not possessing the right qualities for the post to which he had been designated. He was for many years rector of the parish of Stoke Newington. He died on 3 Jun 1885.

Wigram, p. 49; Jacobs; Godley, Letters.

Reference: Volume 1, page 233

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