Robert Cooper Lee Bevan was born on 8 February 1809 at Hale End, Walthamstow. He was the eldest son of fellow banker David Bevan (1774–1846), and his heiress wife, Favell Bourke Lee (1780–1841). He was educated at Harrow School and Christ Church, Oxford. Robert Cooper Lee Bevan, was named for the affection of his maternal grandfather, Robert Cooper Lee, Crown Solicitor-General of Jamaica, and later Barrister of London, England.
