He was born Valentine John Cecil De Vere Mathews in 1846.

His mother was Katherine Mathews, a Welsh-born household servant.

His great natural talent for the game was attended by an equal indolence for work.

Cecil De Vere contracted tuberculosis around 1867 and later became dependent on alcohol.

He lived in London for most of his life but was sent to Torquay by his chess friends in 1874 in the vain hope of recuperation.