Wilson was born in Kendal, educated at St John's College, Cambridge and ordained.
During his time as Dean of Worcester an inventory of plate and furniture was drawn up listing the cathedral's ornaments.
[3] Wilson found favour with the Elizabethan court, when Sir William Cecil fell ill, and retreated to Burghley.
On 12 November 1571 Thomas Wilson attended Privy Council and was appointed principal Secretary alongside Sir Francis Walsingham.
Thomas Wilson married Dorothy Banister, and their only daughter, who survived him, died in 1641.