Edward St John - Early Life

Early Life

Born in Boggabri, New South Wales, Edward St John was one of eight children of a Church of England canon and a descendant of many famous St Johns, including Ambrose St John, who converted to Rome and was a close friend of Cardinal John Henry Newman, and Oliver St John, a statesman and judge who challenged the legality of Charles I's Ship Money tax. Oliver St John was twice married to relations of Oliver Cromwell. See Burke's or Debrett's Peerage under St John of Bletso.

Edward St John was educated at state schools before attending the University of Sydney. His older brother was churchman Roland St John.