George died on the 11th of February 1875 whilst cleaning a chimney at the old Cambridge Lunatic Asylum, next to the current Fulbourn Hospital. George’s death caused a national outrage and was the catalyst for great social changes. Exactly 150 years to the day, guests gathered to see the current Earl of Shaftsbury unveil a Blue Plaque in George’s honour.
The award by Cambridge Past Present & Future marks a six-year journey by local historian Joanna Hudson.
Read the story behind the unveiling of the Blue Plaque – Special occasion for chimney sweeping history




