Chimney Sweepers Act 1788 Explained

Type:Act
Parliament:Parliament of Great Britain
Long Title:An Act for the better Regulation of Chimney Sweepers and their Apprentices.
Year:1788
Citation:28 Geo. 3. c. 48
Royal Assent:25 June 1788
Repealing Legislation:Chimney Sweepers Act 1834
Status:repealed
Original Text:http://web.archive.org/web/20200116214450/http://www.educationengland.org.uk:80/documents/acts/1788-chimney-sweepers-act.html

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

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.

References

Notes
  • Bibliography