Thomas Shafto (d. 1799) who is recorded as having graduated from University College, Oxford, in 1758, was the son of John Shafto (d. 1768) of Whitworth Park, Co. Durham and Mary, daughter and heir of Thomas Jackson, of Nunnington, Yorkshire. He was a Canon of Christchurch in 1783 and was Rector of Brancepeth, Co. Durham from 1760 until his death.