 William Dod was born in Bebington, Cheshire, a descendant of Sir Anthony Dod of Edge, who was knighted at the Battle of Agincourt by King Henry V. It has been claimed that Sir Anthony was in command of the English archers although this must be an exaggeration as Sir Thomas Erpingham is universally credited with having overall command.William was educated at home by private tutors and his family fortune, gathered from the cotton trade, meant that he never had to work for a living.He indulged his passion for the sporting life as both a scratch golfer and a big game hunter.