The second son of the Rev Richard Holmden Amphlett, MA Oxon, Lord of the Manor and Rector of Hadzor, Worcestershire, and afterwards of Wychbold Hall, near Droitwich. He was younger brother to Mr Justice Sir Richard Paul Amphlett (1809-1883). Apprenticed to Mr Jukes at the Birmingham General Hospital

Born on September 29th, 1772. He joined the Army as Surgeon's Mate on the Hospital Staff, not attached to a regiment, on May 20th, 1793. On December 10th, 1794, he was gazetted Surgeon to the 30th Foot, promoted to the Staff on April 4th, 1800, and on March 25th, 1809, became Deputy Inspector of Hos