The Last Climbing Boy

Chimney sweep ‘climbing boy’ honoured with blue plaque after 150 years

The Last Climbing By tells the moving story of child chimney sweep George Brewster who died on the 11th of February 1875 whilst cleaning a chimney at the old Cambridge Lunatic Asylum.

George Brewster was forced by his master to climb and clean a chimney at what was then the County Pauper Lunatic Asylum in Fulbourn (3 miles from Cambridge city centre). 15 minutes after entering the chimney, George became stuck. In an attempt to rescue him, an entire wall was pulled down. He was eventually pulled from the chimney but died shortly after. 

The use of ‘climbing boy’ chimney sweeps was not uncommon in Britain up to the Victorian age, and attempts had been made to outlaw the use of children to clean chimneys but the practice continued. The death of George Brewster in 1875 was extraordinary, changing Britain forever.

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.

Cambridge Filmworks worked with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps to bring George’s tragic story to life after 150 years.

Cambridge Filmworks

Cambridge Film Productions

www.cambridgefilmworks.com