"Mr Saffron Walden" by Jeremy Collingwood
The Life and Times of George Stacey Gibson (1818-1883)

Gibson was a classic example of a Victorian philanthropist who put his Christian faith into practice, using his wealth to create a better world for the townspeople of Saffron Walden and elsewhere.

He is best remembered for making money and giving it away.
He was a distinguished botanist and author of The Flora of Essex, which contained many new discoveries and remained the standard text for a century.
He was a leading member of the Society of Friends (Quakers).
He was prominent in bringing the railway to Saffron Walden.
He was active in local government and many of the town's charities.
He gave money to the hospital, the museum, the Grammar School, the British Schools, the Friends' School, the Training College for Female Teachers and many other charities.
He left a large estate, worth at least £23 million in today's money.
Visitors to Saffron Walden will find enduring evidence around the town of Gibson's generosity.