Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840

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Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840

The Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840 was a British law passed to stop child labor in chimney sweeping. At that time, many boys as young as six worked as chimney sweeps, which was dangerous and cruel. A famous case from that era involved Valentine Grey, a 10-year-old from Newport, Isle of Wight, who was killed by his master for not cleaning a chimney properly. His death helped push for new protections.

The Act made it illegal for anyone under 21 to be forced or allowed to climb a chimney or flue to sweep, clean, or work inside it. It aimed to keep young boys out of dangerous chimneys. The Act followed the earlier Chimney Sweepers Act 1834 and was later amended by the Chimney Sweepers Regulation Act 1864.

The Act received royal assent on 7 August 1840. It was later repealed by the Chimney Sweepers Acts (Repeal) Act 1938.