Master shipbuilder James Kyd passed away on this day in the city. He was 50.

He was born to Major Alexander Kyd, army officer and surveyor-general of Bengal. He was the nephew of Robert Kyd, founder of the Botanical Gardens in Calcutta.

Kyd went to Britain to learn shipbuilding. On his return, he apprenticed with the British East India Company’s master shipbuilder A. Wadell. On Wadell’s retirement, Kyd took over as master-builder.

He built many vessels for the British government and for both trading and personal use. He was liked by all for his benevolent and generous disposition.

He won the appreciation of the authorities when he repaired the ship, HMS Semiramis, at St Helena, but asked for no remuneration.

Most of the ships that he built, including Phoenix, Castle Huntly and Lord Hungerford, were launched from Calcutta.

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