Born at Seringapatam, the son of Major G Hayward Budd, of the 43rd Regiment of the Madras Native Infantry. He was brought to England at the age of 6 years, and began his medical training at the Worcester General Infirmary under his uncle, Herbert Cole, son of Pennel Cole, who was Senior Surgeon of the institution for fifty years. In 1833 Herbert Walker Budd became a student at St Bartholomew's Hospital, and after qualifying began to practise at Worcester about the year 1835, continuing there to his death. In 1853 he was elected Surgeon of the Infirmary, and at the time of his death was Senior Surgeon. He had also held various appointments in and around Worcester, such as the Surgeoncy of the City Gaol. He died at his residence, College Gates, Worcester, on February 4th, 1876.