Portrait of Sir Edward Gambier (1794-1879), half-length, in a black coat, buff waistcoat and white stock

Sir Edward John Gambier was born in 1794 to a naval family. After an illustrious academic career at Eton and Cambridge he was admitted to Lincoln's Inn in 1815 and was called to the bar in 1822. He acquired his title in 1834, when he was knighted by William IV following his appointment as recorder of Prince of Wales Island (Penang). He became a puisne judge of the supreme court of Madras in 1836, and chief justice there in 1842. Sir Edward Gambier's reputed ability, efficiency and justice was reflected in the testimonial silver centerpiece given to him by the Hindu community of Madras on his retirement in 1849. He died in South Kensington, London, thirty years later.