 Thomas Clifford of Tixall, Staffordshire (brother to Hugh Clifford, 4th Baron Clifford of Chudleigh), by his wife Barbara, youngest daughter and co-heiress of James, fifth lord Aston, and niece to Thomas and Edward, dukes of Norfolk, and to George, earl of Shrewsbury.He was born on 2 March 1768; studied at Liege with his eldest brother Thomas, created a baronet in 1815; and on his return to England applied himself to the law, and soon after the passing of the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1791 was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn.He was very learned in the law and a warm advocate of the liberties of the people.