Background
Ponsonby was born in Marylebone, London, the third son of John Ponsonby, 4th Earl of Bessborough, and his wife Lady Maria Fane.
Ponsonby was born in Marylebone, London, the third son of John Ponsonby, 4th Earl of Bessborough, and his wife Lady Maria Fane.
He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge.
In 1837 he was admitted to Lincoln"s Inn, and was called to the Bar in 1840. Lord Bessborough played cricket for both Harrow School and Cambridge University Club, batting right-handed. Ponsonby was an active player until about 1845, when, due to an arm injury, he continued to play only sporadically.