 His father, John Bullen, also served in the Royal Navy and was the Surgeon General on the North American Station between 1779 and 1781.Charles' mother, Ruth (née Liddel), was a cousin of Lord Eldon who served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain between 1801 and 1806 and again between 1807 and 1827.Richard Bullen, Charles younger brother by 10 years, became a captain in the Scots Greys, dragoons.