 Cyril was born in 1843 at Tooting in the 18th century Hill House and later lived in Streatham, both of which were rural environs at the time.He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge, and was called to the Bar, Inner Temple, in 1870.As well as exceptional good looks, it was said he possessed a genius for friendship, and an 'irresistible charm' that made everyone 'want to pet him'.