Edward was educated at Magdalen College Oxford, where he was a leading oarsman.
In 1846 he won the University Sculls and the Diamond Challenge Sculls at Henley Royal Regatta.
In 1847 at Henley he lost Diamonds in the final to William Maule. However he was bow in the Oxford crew which won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley beating Cambridge in a year when there was no Boat Race. His opposite number at bow in the Cambridge boat was William Maule.