He was born on 29 January 1774 at Yaxley in Huntingdonshire,[1] the son of Robert, a shoemaker, and Ann, who also had three younger daughters: Harriet Euphrasia, Sophia (who died in 1783) and Marianna.

Having been educated by Richard Weston, a Leicester botanist, Olinthus published a treatise, Lessons, Astronomical and Philosophical in 1793.

In discussing Gregory's ideas, Werrett draws attention to the environment at Woolwich in which he developed them, and the use of the metronome to maintain a consistent rhythm in military music.

[5] The esteem in which Dr Gregory was held can be judged from the following letter in 1841:[6] Many in this list are cited in the University of St Andrews website.

[11] Letitia Elizabeth Landon includes a poetical illustration, to a portrait by Richard Evans, Olinthus Gregory, L.L.D., F.R.A.S., &c.. commiserating with this event in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1835.