Faraday was born in Newington Butts,in London. His family was not well off. His father had been an apprentice to the village blacksmith.Michael was born the autumn of 1790. He was the third of four children. The young Michael Faraday having only the most basic school education. He had to educate himself. At fourteen he became the apprentice to a local bookbinder and bookseller. During his seven-year apprenticeship he read many books. At this time he also developed an interest in science, especially in electricity.