Although ignored by his parents, he often visited his place of birth, where he was well known as Dai Bach (Welsh for "Little David").
Father was Richard Harding, grandson of the Welsh preacher the Rev. Issac Morgan Harries of St Brides Wentlooge.
Member of the Congregationalist Church at St Brides Wentlooge.
Mother was Elizabeth Harries, great granddaughter of the same reverend gentleman. Mother and father were thus cousins.
Parents are buried in the grounds of Providence.
Parents expected him to be a preacher and were shocked by his turning to the stage. After seeing him perform his father said, "I have been in hell tonight.".