Timg src="/images/photos/cleaning1.jpg" border="0" class="image right" alt="Modern Chimney Sweeping" title="Modern Chimney Sweeping" />The Chimney Sweeper's role is to clear ash and soot from chimneys. Although the famous Mary Poppins film romanticised this role, the actual job in that era was far removed from the films portrayal of a friendly happy go lucky Master Chimney Sweep who children adored.
Why Chimneys Have to be Cleaned
Chimneys have to be cleaned to clear the build up inside the chimney of ash, soot and creosote. If this build up was left it could result in a fire.
Chimney Sweep Apprentices
Master Chimney Sweeps would have young children, usually boys from the workhouse, who he would teach to climb chimneys. Children as young as 4 would be used to climb hot flues as narrow as 9 inches squared. Chimney Sweeping was a very dangerous task for the sweeper and could result in a child getting jammed in the flue, who could then suffocate to death.
Incentive for Master Sweeps to use Children as Apprentices
The apprentices were known as the climbing boys, but were technically called Chimney Sweep Apprentices. Local parishes wanted to cut their cost in looking after paupers, so they paid Master Chimney Sweeps to teach orphans and paupers the craft of chimney sweeping.
Local parishes signed Papers of Indenture, giving these children over to the Master Chimney Sweep, which would be witnessed in front of a Magistrate. This bound the child to the Master Chimney Sweep who's only duty was to:
- teach the child a trade
- keep and feed him
- provide a second suit of clothes
- clean him once a week
- allow the child to attend church
- not to send the child up a chimney that was on fire
Even parents were known to sell their children to Master Sweeps from as little as 7 shillings to 4 guineas. The child would then become indebted to the Master Sweep for 7 years while they carried out their training. After completing the 7 years training period, the apprentice would become a Journeyman Sweep and be able to work for a Master Sweep of his choice.
Industrial Revolution (1760 - 1820)
Because of the industrial revolution there was a huge increase in homes being built with chimneys, this resulted in the Master Chimney Sweep becoming much sought after.
Chimney sweeping was one of the more commonly difficult, hazardous, and low paying occupations of the era. New chimneys were being built with more right, horizontal and vertical angles and sections. Flues also became narrower to create a better draught.
The Working Life of the Apprentice
An apprentice could clean up to 4 or 5 chimneys a day. They started early in the morning drumming up business by calling out "soot oh, sweep".
Once asked to clean a chimney a cloth was fitted over the fireplace and the child would be expected to take off his boots and any excess clothing so he could fit into the small chimney.
Using his back, elbows and knees, he would shimmy up the flue and use the brush to dislodge loose soot which would fall over him and down to the bottom. Once finished he would come down the chimney and clear up, taking the now full bag of soot to the Master Sweeps cart or yard.
As the child was being taught a trade they did not receive any pay for their days work.
The Chimney Sweeps Act (1788)
In 1788 the Chimney Sweepers Act was created to regulate this industry.
The Act limited Master Sweepers to 6 apprentices who were at least 8 years old, however it lacked enforcement. The Master Sweeps apprentice's life was no better than that of a slave.
They were often treated brutality and grew up suffering great pain from poorly formed bones. Not forgetting the hundreds of children who got trapped inside chimneys and died before they could be recovered.
Chimney Sweeping Equipment
The first mechanical sweeping machine invented by Smart in (1803) was rejected by the UK Chimney Sweeps. In 1828 John Glass came along with a brush that modern Chimney Sweeps still use today.
The Use of Children Banned (1840)
It took until 1840 when The Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act came into force preventing anyone under the age of 21 becoming an Apprentice Chimney Sweep. Unfortunately, this act was widely ignored and children continued to be used.
It took until 1875 for legislation to be put in place which enforced the 1840 Act. Master Sweeps now had to be authorised by the police to carry out their trade in any district.
Modern Sweeping
Chimney Sweeping has moved on a great deal since its early days. Sweeps now have a greater understanding of the dangers caused by flue deposits and carbon monoxide.
The standard chimney brush is still in use, along with modern tools such as vacuums, cameras and special cleaning tools. Sweeping is usually carried out from the bottom of the chimney to prevent the dispersion of dust and debris.
Most modern chimney sweeps are professionals and are trained to diagnose and repair hazards along with maintenance such as flammable creosote removal as well as firebox and damper repair and smoke chamber repair. Some sweeps even offer repairs to flues, relining the chimney, crown repair or rebuilding of masonry chimneys.
In the UK, four trade associations help regulate the industry. If you are employing a Chimney Sweep you should make sure they have a certificate from one of the following:
- Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps
- National Association of Chimney Sweeps
- The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps