Henry Fawcett 
Biography of Henry Fawcett
Henry Fawcett
Henry Fawcett (1833-1884) was Rector of the University from 1883 until his death in 1884.
Born in Salisbury, Fawcett studied at the University of Cambridge and intended to make a career as a lawyer, until he was blinded in a firearms accident. He chose instead to pursue a career in academia and politics, and he became the most famous blind person in Britain as a Liberal MP and the Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge. Throughout his career, Fawcett campaigned to improve conditions for those who had lost their sight.
Fawcett's opponents in the 1883 were John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, the sponsor of the University's Bute Hall, and the critic John Ruskin, who was standing for the third time for Rector. Fawcett won the election but died on 6 November 1884 before he could travel to Glasgow for his installation. He was succeeded by Professor Edward Law Lushington, who was elected unopposed.
Summary
Henry Fawcett
Politician
Born 26 August 1833, Salisbury, England.
Died 6 November 1884.
University Link: Rector
Occupation categories: political economists; politicians
NNAF Reference: GB/NNAF/P141385
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Record last updated: 11th Jul 2008
Country Associations
England
Place of Birth
