He was the grandson of James Clavering (1565–1630), a merchant adventurer, Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1607, who bought an estate at Axwell House, near Blaydon on Tyne in 1629.
He was the offspring of James Clavering (1565–1630), a trader and local leader, Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1607, who obtained property at Axwell House, near Blaydon on Tyne in 1629.