George Brewster: The Forgotten Boy Who Changed History
Discover the powerful and heartbreaking story of George Brewster, an 11-year-old chimney sweep whose tragic death in 1875 led to groundbreaking child labour reforms. Yesterday, we honoured his legacy with a blue plaque, but there is still more to do. His name is missing from history, and every child in Britain deserves to know his story. Read more about George’s impact and join the movement to get his name into the national curriculum. #GeorgeBrewster #HistoryMatters #ChildLabour #EducationForAll
GEORGE BREWSTER NEWS
2/12/20251 min read
Yesterday was a big day. Not just for me, but for George Brewster—a boy who died not knowing he had changed the lives of thousands of children across Britain.
The Tragic Story of George Brewster
George was just 11 years old when he was forced to climb inside a chimney at Fulbourn Asylum in February 1875. He sadly became stuck in the flue and suffocated. His tragic death could have been just another forgotten story of the Victorian era, but it wasn’t. His suffering reached the ears of the Earl of Shaftesbury, who fought to pass a law ending the brutal practice of using children as chimney sweeps. That victory paved the way for wider child labour reforms and, ultimately, compulsory education for all children in Britain.
Honouring George’s Legacy
Yesterday, alongside the current Earl of Shaftesbury, I saw George’s story recognised with a blue plaque at the site where he died—a huge step forward in honouring his legacy and acknowledging all the children who lost their lives in similar circumstances at the hands of those who valued profit over their welfare.
Why George’s Story Must Be Told
George Brewster changed history, yet his name is still missing from it. Children in schools learn about the Industrial Revolution and the reforms in child labour laws, but not about this seemingly insignificant 11-year-old boy who changed the lives of so many.
Everyone knows the name Harry Potter—the fictional "Boy Who Lived." But this is the true story of the boy who died.
Can You Help Get George Brewster’s Name Into the National Curriculum?
George’s legacy deserves recognition. Every child in Britain should know his story—not just those who happen to stumble upon it.
If you believe in giving George his place in history, please share this post and help spread the word. @Bridget Phillipson MP, @Department for Education—can you help make this happen?