What did the Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840 do?
It was a British Act of Parliament passed to try and stop child labour. Many boys as young as six were being used as chimney sweeps. In 1834 Chimney Sweeps Act forbade the apprenticing of any boy under the age of 10 years, and the employment of children under 14 in chimney sweeping unless they were apprenticed or on trial. The apprentices were not to be “evil treated” by their employers, and any complaints of the children were to be heard by justices of the peace. The act was largely ineffective as there were no means of enforcement. In 1840 Chimney Sweeps Act prohibited any child under the age of 16 years being apprenticed, and any person under 21 being compelled or knowingly allowed to ascend or descend a chimney or flue for sweeping, cleaning or coring.
