[1] He was the son of the Reverend Edward Gurdon of Bear's Farm, Hingham, Attleborough, Norfolk and older brother of Charles Gurdon, also a rugby international and captain of England, and Francis, who became Bishop of Hull.

He attended Haileybury and in 1873 entered Trinity College, Cambridge from whom he received his BA in 1878 (and his MA in 1888).

He then worked in Public Record Office from 1877 to 1879 and became a solicitor,[3] having finished his articles in November 1883.

[2] Gurdon made his international debut on 4 March 1878 at The Oval in the England vs Scotland match.

[2] After his playing career was over his involvement in the game continued and he acted as President of the Rugby Football Union for two terms (1890–1 and 1891–2).