Godman was the third son of Joseph Godman, of Park Hatch, Surrey and went to study at Eton College in 1844 but left due to poor health and studied under private tutors.
Godman was the third son of Joseph Godman, of Park Hatch, Surrey. He went to study at Eton College in 1844 but left three years later due to poor health and studied under private tutors.