Born 18 June 1874 at Hazelholme, Colnbrook near Slough, Bucks, the third of the eight children of Samuel Roberts, builder and contractor, and Maria Harris, his wife. He was educated at Padcroft Grammar School, West Drayton, and at Elmfield College, York. He entered Middlesex Hospital with a scholars

The Trotter family has long been settled in Gloucestershire, where it had an honoured connexion with the Baptist Church. Wilfred Trotter was born in London on 3 November 1872, the son of Howard Birt Trotter of Coleford, Gloucestershire, and Frances Lewes, his wife. His early years were spent at Cole