Hugh Davies was born on 1 February 1867, the eldest son and first child of U Davies, an auctioneer and valuer, and his wife Laura Eliza Jones. He was educated at Oswestry and at University College, London, before he entered Guy's Hospital as a medical student. Here he served as house surgeon, graduating MB BS at the University of London and gaining the gold medal in surgery. He then settled in private practice in Greenwich and Blackheath. Elected surgeon to the Miller General Hospital in 1900, he held office until his death. From 1910 onwards he devoted himself to consulting practice having rooms at 129 Harley Street, W. He was also consulting surgeon to Camberwell House, Peckham, medical referee to the Prudential and other assurance societies, and a Fellow of the Hunterian and Medical Societies of London. He married Elizabeth Victoria Woodfield in 1900, who survived him with two sons and a daughter. He died on 5 November 1930.