Chimney Sweepers Act 1788

The Chimney Sweepers Act 1788 (28 Geo. 3. c. 48) was an act of the Parliament of Great Britain passed to try to stop child labour. Many boys as young as four were being used as chimney sweeps.

Chimney Sweepers Act 1788

Act of Parliament
Parliament of Great Britain
Long title	An Act for the better Regulation of Chimney Sweepers and their Apprentices.
Citation	28 Geo. 3. c. 48
Territorial extent	Great Britain
Dates
Royal assent	25 June 1788
Commencement	5 July 1788[a]
Repealed	21 August 1871
Other legislation
Amended by	Chimney Sweepers Act 1834
Repealed by	Statute Law Revision Act 1871
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted

This act stated that no boy should be bound apprentice before he was eight years old. His parents' consent must be obtained, the master sweep must promise to provide suitable clothing and living conditions, as well as an opportunity to attend church on Sundays. The clause inserted into the bill requiring master sweeps to be licensed was voted down in the House of Lords.^[1]

Subsequent developments

The whole act was repealed by section 1 of, and the schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1871 (34 & 35 Vict. c. 116).

See also

• Child labour in the British Industrial Revolution
• Chimney Sweepers Act 1834
• Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840
• Chimney Sweepers Regulation Act 1864
• Chimney Sweepers Act 1875
• Chimney sweeps' carcinoma
• Percivall Pott

Notes

1. Section 1.