Life story retold by Yota Dimitriadi
George Lovejoy was born at Earley Yard, off Minster Street, Reading, on February 8, 1808.
set up Lovejoy’s Library & supported the abolition of capital punishment. A portrait of him can be found in the Reading Museum.
SOURCE: Reading Museum website (REDMG: 1931:150:1)
According to The Reading Book of Days (The History Press, 2013) George Lovejoy was buried on July 23rd 1883. He was a bookseller who created a a noted circulating subscription library and also owned a post office and a stationers in Reading. The Reading Mercury reported:
“His death was unexpected and occurred suddenly on Thursday morning [19th July]. Until within the past few days, notwithstanding his advanced age, he had appeared in his usual activity, health and spirits. His energy was remarkable and to this, his sound judgement and great tact, his success in business was attributable. His advice was sought by all, and his opinions business matters and the transfer of landed property was highly valued. To philanthropist objects he was ever ready to gives aid and to show those who had sen ‘better days’ and who had become reduced in circumstances, he was a kind and generous benefactor. Although not filling any public capacity, save the spot of borough auditor, he was widely known. His sterling worth, good common sense, and honesty of purpose will cause him greatly to be missed and his memory to be long cherished by the people of Reading. The funeral will, we understand, take place at the Cemetery on Monday next”.
He supported his friend George Lovejoy with a loan that enabled him to purchase Edmund Havell’s[eminent local artist] stationer and circulating library business and set himself up as a bookseller. Havell’s younger brother, Charles, painted a portrait of Lovejoy in 1850. In 1840, this shop was demolished to make way for the imposing Mechanics’ Institute Building and Lovejoy moved his business further along London Street where he would remain until his death. (Henley Standard, 14th October 1919)
Sources:
Buried in Section 24, Row L, Plot 26