E. W. Bedford (21 December 1892 – 1972) was a British-born Ceylon tea planter.

Bedford was born on 21 December 1892 at Forest Gate, Essex (now in London), England.[1] He came to Ceylon to join the tea plantation at Kandaloya, Dolosbage, where he was Assistant Superintendent from 1917 until 1923. He was commissioned as an officer to the British Army Indian Army Reserve at Bangalore from 15 January 1918 until 27 May 1918 at the War History Training School.[2] He was later attached to the 3rd Sappers and Miners in Khyber Pass on 26 June 1919.

After his time in the army, he returned to Kandaloya to continue his work as a planter. From 1920 to 1930 he was the owner and manager of Tebuwatte Estate; while he was there he also looked after Oonankande Estate in Dolosbage. After the 1930 sale of Tebuwatte, he managed Oonankanda, adding to it with the 1949 purchase of Gangawaraliya & Hyderabad Estates. He continued managing both estates until 1953.

Bedford was also part of the World Amateur Ham Radio Association, and actively participated as an amateur radio operator. He was appointed Justice of Peace and unofficial Magistrate for Kegalle District in the 1950s.[3] Bedford died in 1972, prior to his death he marked his own grave in Gangawaraliya Estate.[4] After his death, Gangawaraliaya was transferred to his children.

Estates managed and owned by Bedford

Estate Years and position Acreage
Kandaloya 1913–1923 Asst Manager 1240
Tebbuwatta 1920–1930 Owner-Manager 138
Nagastene 1920–1921 Manager 283
Oonankande 1925–1953 Manager 387
Gangawaraliya 1925–1949 Manager
1949–1972 Owner-Manager		 532
Dotel Oya 1957–1959 Manager 1282
Hyderbad 1949–1963 Owner 314

[3] [4] [5]

References

  1. ↑ "History of Ceylon Tea from Dilmah".
  2. ↑ "History of Ceylon Tea From Dilmah".
  3. 1 2 "1949 Ferguson's Ceylon Directory". www.historyofceylontea.com. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Bedford, E. W.: History of Ceylon Tea (1)". www.historyofceylontea.com. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  5. ↑ "Bedford, E. W.: History of Ceylon Tea (2)". www.historyofceylontea.com. Retrieved 28 October 2017.


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