Michael John Harris was born on 11 August 1933 at The Moorings, Trinity Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex. He was the son of Robert Oliver Harris, an architect, and Muriel Margherita Pickles. He later lived in Surrey and was associated with Guildford and West Clandon.
Harris studied at Downing College, Cambridge, from 1954 to 1957. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957 and was awarded the Cambridge Master of Arts degree in 1958. He subsequently completed his legal training in England and was admitted as a solicitor in 1960.
Harris began his legal career as an articled clerk with Theodore Goddard in London from 1957 to 1960 and was admitted as a solicitor in 1960. He became a partner of Theodore Goddard on 1 May 1965 and continued in practice with the firm until retiring on 30 April 1996. His professional career was preceded by service with the Royal Corps of Signals and continued Territorial Army service, including work with 43 Divisional Signal Regiment and 340 Independent Signal Squadron. After retirement from legal practice, he was associated with family-history and biographical research, including contributions to published genealogical works.
(Contributed biographical and genealogical notes, includin...)
2018(Contributed family-history material concerning Michael Jo...)
2016He was Anglican.
Harris was a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Solicitors and a Freeman of the City of London. He also served with 43 Divisional Signal Regiment and 340 Independent Signal Squadron of the Territorial Army from 1954 to 1967, reaching the rank of captain.
Harris married Gertrude Elizabeth Cairns Hubbard on 19 June 1965 at Christ Church, Esher, Surrey. They had four children. His family connections and research interests were reflected in his contributions to genealogical publications concerning the Faure family and related historical figures.
