Doctor Renfrew was the director of Graystark Hall, a children's home in America which had closed down. He remained in the home, unknowingly under the control of the Silence to care for a little girl they were manipulating and brainwashing. (DW: Day of the Moon, Let's Kill Hitler)
In 1969, he was visited by Amy Pond and Canton Delaware, who were searching for the girl. By this time he had been driven mad, sand believed it to be before 1967. However, he tried to help the two visitors, and was examining files with Canton when they were approached by a member of the Silence, which Canton shot. After Canton heard Amy scream and ran upstairs, Renfrew followed to help. He found Canton, the Eleventh Doctor and Rory Williams examining an astronaut suit, and led them to the wounded figure. (DW: Day of the Moon)