Gwynne-Holford was born in
Llansantffraed, Brecon, son of Colonel James Price Gwynne-Holford, Buckland Hall and his wife, Anna Maria Eleanor, daughter of Roderick Gwynne, Glebran. The father died in 1846. He married Eleanor Gordon-Canning in 1891 at St James's Church,
Hanover Square, London. They had one daughter. He was educated at
Eton College and
Christ Church, Oxford. After a short military career he retired to his country estates at Cilgwyn and Buckland, and took an active part in the public life of Brecknockshire. He served as
High Sheriff of the county in 1857. ==Political career==