On Feb. 11, 1875, 11 year old George Brewster was made to climb into and clean the chimneys of County Pauper Lunatic Asylum in Fulbourn. It was there that he became stuck in the chimney, and after knocking down a wall in hopes of retrieving him. George tragically passed shortly after being rescued. George is now known as the 'last climbing boy' as his death lead as a cataylst for a law banning 'climbing boys'. He was also the youngest person to receive a Blue Plaque on the building commemorating his death.
“George Brewster - Blue Plaque in Cambridge.” Cambridge Past Present & Future, 6 June 2025, cambridgeppf.org/george-brewster/.
Photo found at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1m5v04dm55o
Event date
11 Feb 1875
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