 Frederick Mallalieu's father, Henry (1831–1902), was a self-made businessman, at the age of twelve a hand-loom weaver, but becoming a woollen manufacturer, chairman of ironworks companies, and magistrate.Mallalieu was educated at the Dragon School in Oxford, Cheltenham College, Trinity College, Oxford, and the University of Chicago.He was President of the Oxford Union in 1930 and a rugby blue.