Why were kids used as chimney sweeps?

Why were kids used as chimney sweeps?

This practice of sending small boys up and down chimneys in order to ensure that they were free of harmful creosote deposits was the norm in England for approximately 200 years. The use of child chimney sweeps became widespread after the Great Fire of London, which occurred in September of 1666.

Were Kids used to clean chimneys?

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 did a chimney sweep 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 was Chimney sweeping a thing?

Chimney sweeps began to be associated with restoring fresh air in homes and the sweeps themselves became a symbol of good hearth and good health. The primary job for the small children was to climb into chimneys in order to scrape the coal deposits from the flue lining.

How much did a Victorian 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.

What were Victorian chimney sweeps called?

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.

When did children chimney sweeps stop?

1840
1840 (Chimney Sweepers and Chimney Regulation Act): This banned child chimney sweeps.

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 old was a child chimney sweep in the Victorian era?

Some were as young as 3 years old. Their tiny size made them a popular choice for going down the narrow chimney stacks. A Victorian Child Chimney Sweep may have been the most dangerous job for children in the 1800’s, especially when the child first started doing the job.

How did the children climb up the chimneys?

The children would climb up the chimneys using their elbows, back, and knees. The master sweep would scrub their knees to harden them; but before calluses formed, the children were usually seriously bloodied. There were many hazards associated with human chimney sweeps.

How big did chimney sweeps have to be?

Child chimney sweeps were required to crawl through chimneys which were only about 18 inches wide. Sometimes their cold-hearted masters would light fires to spur the sweeps on to climb more quickly. Only young children could fit through the narrow spaces on the inside of the chimneys.

What kind of cancer did child chimney sweeps get?

Chimney Sweep Cancer was unique to chimney sweeps and is the first recorded form of industrial cancer. A child who worked as a chimney sweep rarely grew to live past middle age. Efforts were made through the years to put an end to the cruel practice of using child chimney sweeps, but they failed until 1875.