Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840

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Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840 [1]
Act of Parliament
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022).svg
Long title An Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys.
Citation 3 & 4 Vict. c. 85
Dates
Royal assent 7 August 1840
Other legislation
Amends Chimney Sweepers Act 1834
Amended by Chimney Sweepers Regulation Act 1864
Repealed by Chimney Sweepers Acts (Repeal) Act 1938
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted

The Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840 [1] was a British Act of Parliament passed to try to stop child labour. Many boys as young as six were being used as chimney sweeps. One of many chimney sweeps such as Newport, Isle of Wight's Valentine Grey, a 10-year-old, who was murdered by his Master Benjamin Davis, because he hadn't cleaned a chimney properly, forced the passing of the "Climbing Boys Act"

This act prohibited any person under 21 being compelled or knowingly allowed to ascend or descend a chimney or flue for sweeping, cleaning or coring. [2]

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References

  1. 1 2 The citation of this Act by this short title was authorised by the Short Titles Act 1896, section 1 and the first schedule.  Due to the repeal of those provisions it is now authorised by section 19(2) of the Interpretation Act 1978. This short title was previously conferred on this Act by section 1 of the Chimney Sweepers Regulation Act 1864 (27 & 28 Vict c 37).
  2. "History of the Chimney Sweep - .1st Peak Chimney Sweeping Services". Archived from the original on 17 June 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.