Gorell-Barnes was born in 1909. He came up to Pembroke from Marlborough, matriculating in 1928. While at Pembroke College, he won the Prize for Greek Verse and was Honourably Mentioned for the Porson Prize, both in 1928. In 1930 he was Designated Shoolbred Scholar, and in 1932 he was Designated Foundress Scholar. He completed his degree in 1932, having studied Classics Part I and Modern Languages Part II. Gorell-Barnes also played Tennis while at the College. He became a War Cabinet official, and later worked In the Treasury and Colonial Office. He was Personal Assistant to Prime Minister Clement Attlee from 1946 to 1948, and was Deputy Under Secretary of State from 1959 to 1963. He was appointed Knight in 1961, and died in 1987.