clerk, and his wife Mary Ann. He was baptised on 14 March 1855 at St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich.

He received his formal education in local schools.

As a young man, Bland, showed his "passion was for politics" by his "strong interest in the political ideas raised at social protest meetings."

Bland wanted to attend the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich and become an army officer, but there was not enough money after