Dudley was the eldest son of the Rev. John Dudley, vicar of Humberstone, Leicestershire. He was born at Humberstone, and educated at Uppingham School, whence he went to Clare Hall, Cambridge. He proceeded B.A. 1785 (when he was second wrangler and mathematical prizeman), and M.A. 1788. In 1787 he was elected fellow, and in 1788 tutor. In 1794 he succeeded his father in the living of Humberstone. His grandfather had previously held the benefice, which continued in the family for three generations during 142 years. In 1795 he was also presented to the vicarage of Sileby, Leicestershire. According to his own account (advertisement to Naology), Dudley spent ‘a long and happy life’ as ‘a retired student,’ occupying himself chiefly with mythological and philosophical studies.
