Henry Watson Fox, son of the late George Townshend Fox, Esq., of the city of Durham, was born at Westoe, in the county of Durham, on the 1st of October, 1817.

The history of his childhood furnishes no circumstances worthy of being mentioned: his disposition was naturally amiable and tractable; his early education was conducted under his parents' roof, and at the age of eleven, he went to the Durham Grammar School, where he continued till his removal to Rugby, in February, 1831, at which time he was thirteen years old.

The remainder of his education he received at Rugby School, where he continued for six years, until his removal to Oxford, and thus enjoyed the benefit of Dr. Arnold's instruction and example, during the most vigorous period of his valuable life; that instruction was not thrown away, nor that example without its influence, as will appear in the course of the following correspondence. During his residence at Rugby School, and especially towards the latter part of it, when he had the privilege of coming into closer contact with Dr. Arnold, he contracted the greatest affection and reverence for his character; whilst the simple Christian instruction, which he so faithfully delivered in the School Chapel, produced a strong and abiding impression upon his heart; so that it may truly be said, that the classical knowledge and intellectual development which he acquired at school, were the least of the blessings he there received: for though other influences were co-operating during that period, yet the controlling power of Dr. Arnold's mind in forming his Christian character was of the highest value, and to the end of his days was ever remembered by him with affection and gratitude.