Benjamin was born in March 1815 in Stonham Aspall, Suffolk and was baptised on March 5th, 1815. Benjamin's father was James Bridges and his mother was Hannah Davie. His paternal grandparents were James Bridges and Elizabeth Scott; his maternal grandparents were <Unknown> and <Unknown>. He was the third of four children. He had two brothers and a sister, named John, Samuel and Mary.