A completely stripped monument to Henry Byrde (1837-1907). 

With a military background, serving in the Crimea and later as Commandant of the Ceylon Light Infantry, Byrde went into business in Kandy and in 1873 was appointed the secretary of the municipal council, as well as superintendent of works.  He served in those capacities until his death.  “He was a good amateur actor, had a great knowledge of trees and tree-planting, and was a walking dictionary of information about Kandy, of which he was the oldest European resident….”  Survey of Sri Lanka maps incorrectly identify this as the Gyrde memorial. 

(Ed. this item found at www.greatmirror.com – ‘Sri Lanka, Colonist Life Chapter’)

T66

Henry, son of Henry Charles Bird 2^nd Lieutenant in her Majesty’s Ceylon Rifles Regiment and Rebecca his wife. Born on the 3^rd December 1837 was baptised at Kandy on the 4^th day of March 1838 by me

M Garslin –  Colonial Chaplain

T170

Will of Henry Bird 2^nd April 1829 Colombo

I Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bird of the 16^th Regiment desire to be done as follows:

I have advanced to my brother Mr George Bird at several times the sum of £3000 and odd sterling as may be seen by existing documents which advances were made on condition of my holding an equal share in his grant of land in all his other property purchased or otherwise and in all profits and benefits arising thereof at Gampola near Kandy the whole of which share with the profits and advantages dependant thereof I bequeath to my wife Mrs Frances Maria Bird in trust for the benefit of our children.

I also bequeath to my said wife, Mrs Frances Maria Bird all my other property whatsoever description and monies likewise in trust for the same after my just debts have been paid and further for the payment of my debts in this country I devote the sum of ten thousand Sicca Rupees assured on my life in the Oriental Life Insurance office in Calcutta or such part of this sum as may be required for the purpose.

I request Captain Samuel Braybrook and assistant Surgeon Charles Tomlin Whitfield to be my executors in Ceylon and Mrs Frances Maria Bird to be my sole executrix in England.

I declare this to be my last will and testament.

Henry Bird

Lt. Col. 16^th Reg.^t

Witnessess:

J Chapman

Cpt. Riley

John Fred.^k Conderlag

J Schroter

Pet.^r Adloos

T211

Kandy April 1836

Letter to the Governor in consideration in 1824 that George Bird the undersigned accompanied his late brother, Lieut. Col H Bird from England to view and commence a coffee plantation.

Paid 9 pence an acre (name of areas).

Total 588a 3r 39p.

T214

27^th May 1840 Kandy

Between Lieut Henry Charles Bird and 2^nd Lieut Adjutant Charles Crabbe both of her Majesty’s Ceylon Rifles.

Charles Bird holds 262a 1r 2^50/100 square perches situated in Pulsellawe in district Udapa purchased by deed from the government dated 3^rd August 1838.

To go into a partnership with Charles Crabbe of 150a bounded on the north by the Galpatayshe Ella on the east and south by Laneapohunebura on west by property of Henry Bird.

To share the profits.

Cost of partnership £37 10s sterling paid to Henry Bird.