Kensal Green - famous 'residents' II
Celebrated baritone, composer of a number of operas, including The Bohemian Girl. Balfe was chosen by Rossini as his Figaro for the Paris performances of The Marriage of Figaro. His Come into the garden Maud was a popular drawing room ballad of the day.
Philanthropist, educationalist and Professor of natural philosophy at Anderson University, Glasgow. Birkbeck was involved in the foundation of a number of Dr. George Birkbeck’s Institutes and, in 1824, London Mechanics’ Institution of which he was elected Life President (now Birkbeck College, University of London). In 1827 he was a founder and a member of the Council of University College London.
George Cruickshank (1792-1878)
Caricaturist, illustrator and champion of total abstinence. Cruickshank illustrated Oliver Twist. His remains were translated to St. Paul’s Cathedral in November 1878: however, his Eliza (1807-1890) is deposited in the grave.
