Did children work as chimney sweeps?

The small boys used as chimney sweeps were typically between 5 and 10 years of age, and some were as young as 4 years old. They clambered up chimneys with brushing and scraping tools that knocked the creosote and soot from the chimney lining.

What age did Chimney sweeps have to be after the chimney sweep 1875?

No child below the age of 14 was to actually be engaged in cleaning chimneys. In 1840, a revised Chimney Sweeps Act raised the minimum age of apprenticeship to 16.

What age were chimney sweeps?

These were between the ages of 5 and 10, although most were under the age of seven, and some were even as young as four. These boys were used to climb up chimneys to clean out deposits of soot. The chimney sweep master taught them the trade while being responsible for feeding, clothing and housing them.

How old were Victorian chimney sweeps?

The ideal age for a chimney sweep to begin working was said to be 6 years old, but sometimes they were used beginning at age 4. The child would shimmy up the flue using his back, elbows, and knees.

What working conditions did chimney sweepers in early 19th century Britain have to endure?

During normal operation, a layer of creosote builds up on the inside of the chimney, restricting the flow. The creosote can also catch fire, setting the chimney and the building alight. The chimney must be swept to remove the soot. This was done by the master sweep.

What is a Victorian chimney sweep?

The chimney sweep, or climbing boys as they were often called, was a harsh profession to be in and most likely one that would severely cut your life short. Those employed were often orphans or from impoverished backgrounds, sold into the job by their parents.

How much did a child chimney sweep get paid?

From 1773, master chimney sweeps regularly kept anywhere from 2 to 20 children, depending on how many they could use for their business. For each child, the master sweep was paid 3-4 pounds by the government when the apprenticeship agreement was signed.

When did chimney sweeping stop?

Finding a solution. In the early 1830s, as Parliament became more preoccupied generally with the exploitation of child labour, the Chimney Sweeps Act was passed in 1834 outlawing the apprenticing of any child below the age of ten. Furthermore, no child was to be actually engaged in cleaning chimneys under the age of 14 …

Why are chimney sweeps lucky?

According to legend, in 1066 a chimney sweep saved the life of King William of Britain. The sweep “swept” the king to safety from a runaway carriage. To this day, it’s considered good luck to invite a sweep to your wedding or other special occasion.

How much did a Victorian chimney sweep get paid?

How many hours did Victorian chimney sweeps work?

Due to a lack of proper ventilation, coal dust was very thick in the air. Considering that Victorian Children would work from 12 to 18 hours a day it is easy to see how respiratory problems could arise.

What was it like being a chimney sweep in the Victorian?

Being a chimney sweep in the Victorian era was a poor existence for many children who were required to clean chimneys for a living. Some of the boys who carried out this work were as young as 3-4 years old and had to work in sooty, unhealthy conditions.

Did you know young boys work as chimney sweeps?

Young boys worked as chimney sweeps in harsh conditions with no pay under their master sweep. Did you know that there’s a terrible chapter in the history of chimney sweeps?

How old do you have to be to be a chimney sweeper?

Act to help Chimney Sweepers in Victorian era. Only in 1840, an act was passed forbidding anyone under the age of 21 from working as chimney sweeps. It was called the Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840.

What is the chimney sweepers Regulation Act 1840?

It was called the Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840. However, the act did not have a substantial effect because it imposed only a small fine on the defaulters. Later in 1864, Chimney Sweepers Regulation Act was passed by Lord Shaftesbury. This new act imposed a 10 fine on the defaulters.