The origins of Birchall start with Captain Birchall George Graham, who was posted to India as an officer with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment where he served admirably for a number of years. On returning to England after his tour and 18 years of service he sold his commission.
In 1872 he decided to return to India a land he had grown increasingly fond of over his time spent there, joining his brother Robert Fuller Graham. He cleverly used his savings to make a living by planting tea in Darjeeling. A founder member of the Darjeeling Tea Association, he lived in India for many years and is buried in Darjeeling where his gravestone lies in the Tea Estate Cemetery.