Disbrowe was born at Walton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, South Derbyshire, the son of Colonel Edward Disbrowe, and his wife Lady Charlotte Hobart, fourth daughter of George Hobart, 3rd Earl of Buckinghamshire.

He was a lineal descendant of John Desborough (or Disbrowe), a senior commander in the Parliamentary Army who was brother-in-law to Oliver Cromwell.

Disbrowe was Member of Parliament (MP) for Windsor (1823–26), and later served in the British diplomatic corps in positions in Switzerland, Russia, Sweden and other postings.

[2][3] Disbrowe's eldest daughter Charlotte, who lived at the family home in Derbyshire, became a writer of note, publishing two volumes recounting her father's diplomatic service, with particular attention to his time in Russia.

Disbrowe's younger daughter Jane Harriet married Henry Christopher Wise of Woodcote House, Leek Wootton, Warwickshire, Member of Parliament.