Sir Herbert Edwardes

A memorial to Major General Sir Herbert Edwardes, is on the wall of the west aisle of the north transept of Westminster Abbey. It consists of a white marble bust between two seated angels. The sculptor was W. Theed. The inscription reads:

To the memory of Major General Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwardes, K.C.B. K.C.S.I. D.C.L. LL.D. who, in early life as a subaltern of the East India Company's Army, by his fertility of resource, and his promptitude in action, struck the first victorious blow at the insurrection in the Punjab in 1848; who in later years by his courage, sagacity and mastery over men, ever animated by Christian principle, won an enduring place in the affections of the people to whose welfare he long devoted himself; and in 1857, at a time of unexampled danger, greatly contributed to the security of the frontier, and the salvation of the British Empire in India. Born November 12th 1819, died December 23rd 1868. This monument is erected by the Secretary of State for India in Council.

He was a son of the Reverend Benjamin Edwardes and his wife. He was educated at King's College London and joined the Bengal infantry. While in India he learnt several native languages. In 1850 he married Emma Sidney. He moved into civil administration and was Commissioner of Peshawur 1853-1859 and of Umballa in 1862. He is buried at Highgate cemetery.