 He was born in New York, New York, the son of Sir Robert Innes Grant, 9th Baronet of Dalvey, and his wife, Judith Towers Battelle.His early education took place in America and the family then returned to Britain.He was educated at Harrow School from 1839 to 1845 then went to Balliol College, Oxford graduating BA in 1848 and MA in 1852.