Childhood
Markham was born on 20 July 1830 at Stillingfleet, Yorkshire, the second son of The Reverend David Markham who was vicar of Stillingfleet. The family were descendents of William Markham, a former archbishop of York and royal tutor; this court connection led to David Markham's appointment, in 1827, as an honorary canon of Windsor. Markham's mother Caroline, née Milner, was the daughter of Sir William Milner, Baronet, of Nun Appleton Hall, Yorkshire.
In 1838 David Markham was appointed rector of Great Horkesley, near Colchester, Essex. A year later Markham began his schooling, first at Cheam and later at Westminster School. He was reportedly an apt pupil, particularly interested in geology and astronomy, and from an early age a prolific writer, an activity which filled much of his spare time. At Westminster, which he found "a wonderful and delightful place", he developed a particular interest in boating, often acting as coxswain in races on the River Thames.
Read more about this topic: Clements Markham
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“From his childhood onwards this boy will be surrounded by sycophants and flatterers.... In due course, following the precedent which has already been set, he will be sent on a tour of the world and probably rumours of a morganatic marriage alliance will follow, and the end of it will be the country will be called upon to pay the bill.”
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