Edward Nathaniel Conant was born on 15 May 1820. He was the son of Commander John Edward Conant and Catherine Brown. He married Gertrude Mary Proby, daughter of Reverend Charles Proby, on 27 August 1844. He died on 17 September 1901 at age 81.

Edward Nathaniel Conant was educated at Rugby School, Rugby, Warwickshire, England. He graduated from St. John's College, Oxford, England, in 1842 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and in 1845 with a Master of Arts (M.A.).

He was a practising barrister and held the office of Justice of the Peace (J.P.) and Deputy Lieutenant (D.L.). In 1862 he inherited Lyndon Hall from his maternal uncle, Reverend Edward Brown. He lived at Lyndon Hall, Oakham, Rutland, England.