He became a Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1551, and rector of Balcombe (Sussex) and vicar of Eccleshall (Staffordshire) in 1553.
[2] He was responsible for developing glassmaking in Staffordshire, importing artisans of French origin and supplying firewood from the episcopal estates.
[3][4] The glassworks he established near Eccleshall continued in production after his death, but were affected by legislation which forbade the use of wood for the furnace.
[citation needed] While he was still alive, he made arrangements for his tomb which survives.
[5] Overton was interested in increasing the income of his diocese, which had been affected by the price revolution, but he had little success in improving the overall finances.