He appears to have been educated privately, and entered Worcester College, Oxford, on 6 July 1824, aged 19, where he graduated B.A.
He managed consensus in establishing the Diocesan Training College, taught there, and contributed to its endowments.
In 1856 he became a canon residentiary of Exeter, spending no less than £15,000 on the repairs of the fabric, and £1,000 in providing seats in the nave.
On 4 July 1881 he was attacked by apoplexy while attending a meeting at the Exeter Guildhall for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and died on the 14th of the month.
[1] Harington left money to the poor of Kelston parish, and bequeathed his library to the dean and chapter of Exeter Cathedral, with £2,000 for a librarian.