Dickie Bird, the renowned cricket umpire, left an estate valued at nearly £4 million following his death at the age of 92. Probate records show that Bird’s gross estate amounted to £3,940,504, which was reduced to £3,900,473 after settling debts. Bird, who never married and had no children, placed his entire fortune into a discretionary trust that can operate for up to 125 years. The trustees of the trust have full discretion to allocate the funds among a list of potential beneficiaries, including Bird’s sister, Marjorie Wyatt, his niece, Rachel Wyatt, and various charities.

Born Harold Dennis Bird, the son of a miner from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Bird became one of cricket’s most iconic umpires. Over his career, he officiated 66 Test matches and three World Cup finals between 1973 and 1996. His contribution to the sport was recognized in part by a guard of honour from players of England and India at Lord’s ahead of his final Test match.

Bird lived at White Rose Cottage, a 16th-century property in Staincross, near Barnsley. In 2014, he was named president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Beyond his officiating duties, Bird was known for his charitable work, founding the Dickie Bird Foundation in 2004 to assist disadvantaged children in accessing sports opportunities. He also contributed £125,000 towards the construction of a new balcony at Yorkshire’s Headingley ground.

In interviews, Bird expressed that his one regret was not having a family, stating in 2013, “I gave my life to cricket. It’s as simple as that. I never got married because I was married to the game.” His will, signed in January 2024, directs his trustees to manage the distribution of his personal belongings according to any instructions found among his papers.