The Haberdashers’ Company is very sorry to announce the sad death of Past Master George Pulman QC. George died suddenly on the 15th of January from a heart attack, at home with his wife Penny.

Having entered our Company as an Apprentice to Penny’s father, George embraced the Haberdashers and took the time to get to know everyone. He went out of his way to bring a new guest to every event, had many Apprentices, and is directly responsible for dozens of Liverymen and Freemen joining our Company. His wedding reception was held at the previous Hall, and his daughter Lucy’s at the current Hall.

George’s support of the pupils at our schools is well-known: over three decades he served as a governor on several boards. He gave more of his time and talents than could ever have been expected. He was determined to do all he could to help our pupils prepare for Oxbridge interviews, having enjoyed and benefitted from his own time at Cambridge so much, giving up many evenings to provide interview practice to Haberdasher pupils.

George became a QC in 1989 and a Middle Temple Bencher in 1999, and sat as a Recorder, a Deputy High Court Judge and Mental Health Tribunal Judge. George’s work was eclectic, ranging from cases in Broadmoor (he enjoyed keeping the badges he was given declaring him to be sane) to personal injury (his specialism). In court, his charm and humour would always shine through, once referring to a car collision with two lorries as a ‘Citroen presse’.

George and Penny created a wonderfully fun and generous family home for their children, grandchildren and large, extended family. Their house has never been quiet, attracting a diverse group of friends, family and neighbours.

George will be dearly missed by all.

The full version of this obituary, written by Tim Dolan, Liveryman and George's nephew, appears in The Haberdasher magazine Issue 44, January 2021.

To contribute in George’s memory, donations can be made to the Haberdashers’ Foundation to support the work of our schools - www.memorygiving.com/georgefrederickpulman