He was educated at the Charterhouse as a day boy, and St John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1831 as fourth senior optime.

[2] He had intended studying law, but about the time of his father's death in 1832 he decided to enter the Church, and was ordained deacon in September 1832 and priest a year later.

In 1847 Tyrrell was offered and accepted the position of bishop of the newly created see of Newcastle, Colony of New South Wales.

Tyrrell rode over much of it, working unceasingly, yet carefully reserving time every day for study and private devotions.

With advancing years he was feeling the strain of his work, and was much exercised about the future of the diocese, the provision of stipends for the clergy, their training and superannuation, and the religious instruction of the young.