 The son of Stalybridge blacksmith Radcliffe Buckley, Edward was born on Brierley Street in the Castle Hall area of the town, on 13 April 1838.He was educated at Thomas Avison's 'People's School', and undertook apprenticeships as a grocer's assistant and wheelwright.He found his calling as a mechanic, learning the trade at Messrs. Broadbent's Machinists.