[2] He was born in Newbury, Berkshire, into an ecclesiastical family (his father was also named Richard Dunford).

Durnford took a position as tutor to Edward Vernon Harbord, for which he was recommended by Stephen Lushington.

With a presentation from Edward Harbord, 3rd Baron Suffield, he was then from 1835 rector of Middleton, Lancashire.

In 1840 he married Emma, the daughter of his old Eton headmaster, John Keate.

His body was brought back to Chichester Cathedral for a funeral service, and then interred at Westhampnett.