Father was Richard Harding, grandson of the Welsh preacher the Rev. Issac
Morgan Harries of St Brides Wentlooge.
Mother was Elizabeth Harries, great granddaughter of the same reverend
gentleman. Mother and father were thus cousins.
Parents expected him to be a preacher and were shocked by his turning to
the stage. After seeing him perform his father said, "I have been in
hell tonight.".
Although ignored by his parents, he often visited his place of birth, where he was well known as Dai Bach (Welsh for "Little David").
Parents are buried in the grounds of Providence.
Member of the Congregationalist Church at St Brides Wentlooge.