Robert Hooke was born in Freshwater on the Isle of Wight, England, to John Hooke, a curate, and Cecily Gyles. A sickly child, he was initially educated at home, showing early talent in drawing and mechanical contrivances, skills that would prove invaluable throughout his scientific career.

Following his father's death, Hooke was sent to London to apprentice with painter Peter Lely. However, finding the pigments affected his health, he instead attended Westminster School under Dr. Richard Busby, a renowned headmaster. Here, he mastered Latin and Greek, and further developed his aptitude for mathematics and mechanics, laying the groundwork for his future scientific endeavors.