20th century British businessman
George Henry Downing, (10 November 1866 – 12 October 1937) was a British businessman who established G.H. Downing and Co. Ltd., involved in the manufacture of bricks and tiles in the Stoke-on-Trent area of Staffordshire. The company claimed to be the largest producer of roof tiles in the world. 
Based at Brampton Hill, Newcastle-under-Lyme, G.H. Downing became one of the principal employers in Chesterton with several thousand workpeople. In 1921, he acquired the Etruria works. By 1939 the company had taken over the entirety of the local Staffordshire works. He was a Justice of the peace for Stoke-on-Trent and was appointed High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1936. 
On 10 November 1936, Downing celebrated his birthday at Trentham with over 3500 guests, many of whom were his employees. 
Downing died at his residence of Clayton Lodge, Newcastle-under-Lyme, in October 1937, aged 70. He was to be knighted, but died before the patent could be completed.
He was the father of Ken Downing, a Formula One racing driver.
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