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.
What did chimney boy do?
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.
Did children get stuck up chimneys?
Master Sweeps would buy young children from orphanages and take in young homeless children from the streets. 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.
When did boys stop cleaning chimneys?
A bill was pushed through Parliament in September 1875 which put an end to the practice of using children as human chimney sweeps in England. George Brewster was the last child to die in a chimney.
What happened to sweeps who grew too large?
Children who worked as chimney sweeps generally ranged from as young as 4 to about 10 years old, when they grew too big to fit down the tiny chimneys anymore. The children were often times underfed by their bosses to keep them skinny enough to fit in the extremely narrow chimneys.
How much was a Victorian chimney sweep 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.
Why did chimney sweeps wear top hats?
This story says that beginning in the 17th century, funeral directors would take pity on these poor children being forced to crawl up chimneys. To help raise both their status and their morale, they gave them the extra top hats that would have otherwise been disposed of.
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.
How much does a chimney sweep cost 2019 UK?
The most recent figures (Oct 2019) state that chimney cleaning costs range from 50-80 throughout most parts of the UK, but this can rise to 100 or more in London. That, however, is for a general sweep of the flue. Removing any blockages (fallen bricks, birds’ nests, etc.) may cost a little more.
What did chimney sweeps do in Victorian times?
A chimney sweep uses brushes and sticks to dislodge and sweep away the soot from the walls of the chimney, and collects the soot in bags for disposal. In the Victorian era the number of houses with chimneys grew apace and so chimney sweeps became more important than ever.
Why do chimney sweeps go to weddings?
The King issued a Royal Decree that Chimney Sweeps are bringers of luck and should be treated with the greatest of respect. … Today, seeing a chimney sweep on your wedding day is still a lucky omen and many couples choose to have them attend their wedding for a handshake for the groom and a lucky kiss for the bride.
Is a chimney sweep worth it?
Hiring a chimney sweep helps protect you from avoidable dangers and saves you money, too. It will cut down your carbon monoxide risk. A clean, properly functioning chimney effortlessly carries carbon monoxide and other harmful by-products of burning fuel, including gas and wood, up and out of your home.
When did Britain ban the use of climbing boys as chimney sweeps?
1834 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.
How often should I sweep my chimney?
once a year You should have your chimney swept at least once a year as a bare minimum. This ensures your chimney is kept as clean as possible and prevents buildup that will become harder to remove if you leave it.
How much does it cost to have chimney swept?
Chimney sweep costs around $80 to $300. This could get higher or lower depending on the type of chimney you have and the level of cleaning needed, the current state of your chimney, and the job’s complexity.
What was it like to be a chimney sweep in Victorian times?
Chimney sweeping was a job children could do better than adults. Small boys (starting at the age of 5 or 6 years) would be sent scrambling up inside the chimney to scrape and brush soot away. They came down covered in soot, and with bleeding elbows and knees. … Some boys got stuck and died of suffocation.
Are chimney sweeps bats?
Chimney swifts are swallow-like birds that spend almost all of their time on the wing, capturing flying insects like flies and mosquitoes. In that regard, they are similar to bats. They are also mistaken for bats when large numbers are seen circling around chimneys or roofs at dusk.
What did chimney sweeps use to clean chimneys?
Soot was valuable and could be sold for 9d a bushel in 1840. An apprentice would do four or five chimneys a day. When they first started they scraped their knees and elbows, so the master would harden up their skin by standing them close to a hot fire and rubbing in strong brine using a brush.
What do chimney sweepers wear?
The black attire not only proved to be practical clothing but gave the kids pride in their work. Soon enough, the tradition caught on and top hat and tails became the de facto uniform of the chimney sweeps that has stuck right into the present day as well.
Why were hats so tall in the 1800s?
Top hats were tall because they were a symbol of fashion and being current with the times. Almost everyone wore them, which is why more people had a hat then those who didn’t. Although they went out of style in the 1920s, hats were worn for many decades afterward.
Who makes up a heaven of their misery?
Lines 11-12 And are gone to praise God and his priest and king, Who make up a heaven of our misery. The chimney sweeper again tells us that his parents have gone to church, where they praise God and his priest and king.
How much did children get paid in Victorian times?
Many children got just 5 shillings (25p) a week, or less. While thousands of children worked down the mine, thousands of others worked in the cotton mills. The mill owners often took in orphans to their workhouses; they lived at the mill and were worked as hard as possible.
What did Victorians eat?
Basic foods were: beef, mutton, pork, bacon, cheese, eggs, bread, potatoes, rice, oatmeal, milk, vegetables in season, flour, sugar, treacle, jam and tea.
How much did a chimney sweep earn?
Although chimney sweeping is often lucrative, it is also highly competitive. An energetic chimney sweep can make as much as $25,000 to $50,000 and more per year, according to Mother Earth News magazine.
Is chimney sweeping messy?
Welcome to one of the biggest misnomers about chimney sweeping. Sure, it can get messy, but if you pick the right firm to do it for you, it shouldn’t encroach into your living space or be inconvenient. In fact, your home should be just as clean as it was before the team started the job.
Do chimney sweeps still exist?
Today, professional chimney sweeps are still in high demand though the profession is carried out in a much safer way than it used to be, adhering to regulations and requiring membership of professional bodies.
Can I sweep my own chimney UK?
There are reasons to get a trained professional to sweep your chimney, particularly if you have any kind of safety concern or you need an insurance certificate, however it is something that you can certainly do yourself.
