Background
Clifton was the son of a clergyman, for many years British chaplain at Bruges, and was born at Gloucester on 4 January 1810. The earlier part of his education was under his father at Worcester.
Clifton was the son of a clergyman, for many years British chaplain at Bruges, and was born at Gloucester on 4 January 1810. The earlier part of his education was under his father at Worcester.
University of Oxford.
In 1830 he matriculated at Worcester College, Oxford. He proceeded Bachelor of Arts in 1831 and Master of Arts in 1834, and took holy orders in 1833, at the hands of the bishop of Oxford. In 1833 he was elected Fellow of his college.
Before taking his first curacy, which was in Berkshire, he spent some time in Oxford as a tutor.
In 1837 he was appointed to the office of clerk in orders at the Manchester Collegiate Church, and on 6 December 1843 was elected to a fellowship by the collegiate chapter. When the church was elevated to cathedral dignity he became a canon.
In 1843 he was instituted to the rectory of Somerton in Oxfordshire, a benefice he held with his Manchester preferment until his death. He died at his rectory at Somerton on 30 July 1861, aged 51.