In 1806 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 24) was appointed Assistant Master at Eton College [Map] which position he resigned after a year to become a resident tutor and Fellow at King's College, Cambridge University [Map]. It was there that he met and formed a lifelong friendship with the poet Lord Byron (age 17), who was at that time an undergraduate at Trinity College [Map]. Their friendship is recorded in the many letters between them that have been published in biographies of Byron.

In 1813 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 31) wished to marry [his future wife] Susanna Matilda Tayler (age 21) (sister-in-law of Henry Drury, master at Harrow School). However Susanna's mother objected to her daughter marrying Hodgson, due to his association with the infamous Byron. Her objection was overcome by Byron himself, who drove with Hodgson in a post-chaise from London to Oxford to plead the cause of his friend with Susanna's uncle Charles Henry Hall, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford.

In 1816 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 34) was appointed Vicar of All Saint's Church, Bakewell, Derbyshire [Map] which office he held until 1840.

In Mar 1840 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 58) returned to Eton, having been nominated to be Provost by the Queen on the advice of Prime Minister Lord Melbourne. The Fellows of Eton, however, rejected his nomination on the basis that Hodgson was not a Doctor of Divinity, a qualification that had always previously been required for the post. They instead elected John Lonsdale, but when Lonsdale became aware of the situation, he stood down in favour of Hodgson.

After 1852. Church of St Mary Magdalene, Eardisley [Map]. Memorial to Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 70).

Before 29 Dec 1852 Reverend Francis Hodgson (age 71) was appointed Archdeacon of Derby.