Born on 2 June 1763 at Threxton, Norfolk, England, the son of Robert Knopwood, gentleman, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Barton. Educated at Caius College, Cambridge University (B.A.,1786; M.A.,1790). Ordained deacon on 21 December 1788 and priest on 20 December 1789. Chaplain to the Earl of Clermont. In the West Indies. Came to Sorrento, Port Phillip with David Collin's party, arriving on 9 October 1803 per "Calcutta" from Spithead, England. Conducted the first religious service at Port Phillip in October 1803. Removed to Van Diemen's Land in 1804. Magistrate (1804-28). At Cottage Green, Battery Point (1805-24). Retired from the ministry in 1823, but continued to officiate occasionally. Died on 18 September 1838 at Clarence Plains (Rokeby), Van Diemen's Land and was buried on 21 September 1838 at the Clarence Plains Cemetery, V.D.L.

[death/burial record; Venn Alumni Cantabrigienses; Australian Dictionary of Biography (Vol. 2); Johns An Australian Biographical Dictionary; Sutherland Victoria and Its Metropolis (Vol. 1)]

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