Born in Lincolnshire, Francis initially trained as a farmer before moving to London to study sculpture under Francis Chantrey (1781-1841) and exhibiting at the Royal Academy from 1822-1857. He was patronised by both the Earl of Leicester and the Duke of Sussex, and subsequently by several members of the royal family. He produced numerous portrait busts of notable Whig politicians. He took a number of pupils who became very successful and his daughter, Mary, also a sculptor, married one of Francis’ pupils, Thomas Thorneycroft.