His mother, Isobel Duncan, was the daughter of the Rector of Calne, Wiltshire, so Henry came from a family deeply involved with the Church. However, Henry Whitehead's family also had strong academic connections; in particular there was a strong tradition of mathematical excellence.
Kanyang ina, Isobel Duncan, ay ang anak na babae ng Rector ng Calne, Wiltshire, kaya Henry nagmula sa isang pamilya baon sa Iglesia. Gayunman, Henry Whitehead's family din may malakas na koneksyon akademiko; sa partikular na nagkaroon ng isang malakas na tradisyon ng matematika magaling.