Household Words Narrative (1st January, 1850) young crossing-sweep gives evidence in court.

In Bleak House (1853) by Charles #Dickens (1812-1870) presents us with Jo the crossing sweeper a character thought to have been inspired by a real-life crossing-sweep called George Ruby. Chapter 47 of Bleak House, ‘Jo’s Will’, includes a touching account by Dickens of a dying, young, homeless crossing-sweep called Jo. I am reading an extract from Household Words Narrative (1st January,1850) which relates to young crossing-sweep George Ruby who is giving evidence in an assault case against a Police Officer. George Ruby may well have provided Dickens with inspiration for his fictional crossing-sweep, Jo. Read my article about the enduring legacy of Charles Dickens. http://comestepbackintime.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/the-enduring-legacy-of-charles-dickens/