George Williams (philanthropist)

Sir George Williams
Portrait by John Collier
Born(1821-10-11)11 October 1821
Died6 November 1905(1905-11-06) (aged 84)
London, England
Resting placeSt Paul's Cathedral, England
NationalityEnglish
Occupation(s)Philanthropist, businessman
OrganisationYMCA
Known forFounding YMCA
Spouse
Helen Jane Maunder Hitchcock
(m. 1853)
Children7
Parents
  • Amos Williams (father)
  • Ann 'Betty' Vickery (mother)
Signature
A plaque for George Williams 13-16 Russell Square, London.
Family vault of Sir George Williams at Highgate Cemetery (west)

Sir George Williams (11 October 1821 – 6 November 1905) was an English philanthropist, businessman and founder of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).[1] The oldest and largest youth charity in the world, its aim is to support young people to belong, contribute and thrive in their communities.[2]

Williams was knighted by Queen Victoria in her 1894 Birthday Honours. He died in 1905 and is buried in St Paul's Cathedral.

  1. ^ "The Founding of the YMCA Movement Worldwide". YMCA of Hong Kong. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  2. ^ "YMCA and YMCA England". YMCA. 17 March 2017. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017.