edward stanley was born in charlton horethorne, a village between sherborne and wincanton in south-east somerset, on 29 june 1852. he was the son of edmond stanley stanley, a vicar. due to his father's position, he moved often during his childhood, spending time in pembroke and then saint saviour, jersey. stanley attended victoria college, jersey, a private school, where he played cricket for the school's first team from 1868 until 1870. he was also a keen athlete, and won a mile-race in a time of 5:45.