Was the son of a surgeon. He received his medical education at St George's Hospital. At the time of his death he was Surgeon to Rugby School, and died at Rugby on February 1st, 1863. According to Dean Stanley, Samuel Bucknill, although referred to in the Life of Dr Arnold as 'the usual medical attendant', was unwell on the day of the great Head Master's death. His son, Dr Samuel Birch Bucknill, accordingly attended. It was a quarter to seven in the morning of Sunday, June 12th, 1842. Dr Arnold considerately inquired for Samuel Bucknill, his recorded words being, "How is your father? I am sorry to disturb you so early. I knew that your father was unwell, and that you had enough to do." He then discussed the nature of his disease, angina pectoris, with Dr Bucknill. Samuel Bucknill entered the room just as Arnold expired at about 8 o'clock.