Background
Henry Bryden was born on 3 May 1854 in Banbury, the third son of W.A. Bryden, (of Surbiton), and Maria, daughter of William Cowper.
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Henry Bryden
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He attended Brackenbury’s Anglican Preparatory Military Academy and went on to study at Cheltenham College.
Career
He was a keen hunter and naturalist and travelled widely. He then became a professional author writing about wildlife and his hunting experiences. As well as rugby football, he was known as an excellent long distance runner, and holder of 37 prizes.
He represented South versus North of England, and was second to Walter Slade in what was at the time the fastest amateur mile on record (time 4m 245s) in 1875.
Bryden played his club rugby for the dual code side, Clapham Rovers, the two codes being rugby union and association football. From there he was called up for England, and made his only international appearance on 23 February 1874 at The Oval against Scotland match.
However, he resided and travelled extensively in South Africa, chiefly in pursuit of sport and natural history and also traveled in Morocco, the Canaries, Norway, Portugal, Spain, France. His obituary in the Times was headed "Sportsman, Athlete and Naturalist".
In this obituary, his book The Enchantment of the Field of 1931 was noted as his best book, "as it is the most varied.
lieutenant contains an instructive comparison between conditions and methods of foxhunting in England, France and America." Also noted was his Wild Life in South Africa of 1936 that showed his powers of observation as a naturalist. Among his recreational pursuits were hunting, fishing, shooting, golf, and natural history.
Membership
He was also a member of the Constitutional and Shikar clubs.
