Harry Goodhart-Rendel was born in Cambridge in 1887, the son of Harry Chester Goodhart, who had married the Hon Rose Ellen Rendel, a daughter of the wealthy Welsh Liberal politician the 1st Lord Rendel.
Harry Chester Goodhart himself was born in Wimbledon, and educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge. He enjoyed a surprisingly distinguished career as an amateur footballer, playing for the Old Etonians in 1879-80 when they won the FA Cup final against Clapham Rovers. He subsequently played for England. In 1881, he was elected a Classics Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1890, he moved to Edinburgh University as Professor of Humanity (Latin). Five years later he died of pneumonia when his son was only nine.
