Robert Wood was born on December 10, 1931 in Batley, West Yorkshire.

He attended Staincliffe School, folllowed by attending Healey Boys Secondary School.

At this time he was in the choir and an altar server at Staincliffe Church.

He then attended Batley Technical College, studying engineering and then started as an apprentice with Weyrite, Weighing Machines, Batley.