The Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act 1840The citation of this Act by this

short title In certain jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom and other Westminster-influenced jurisdictions (such as Canada or Australia), as well as the United States and the Philippines, primary legislation has both a short title and a long title. T ...

was authorised by the

Short Titles Act 1896 The Short Titles Act 1896 (59 & 60 Vict c 14) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It replaces the Short Titles Act 1892. This Act was retained for the Republic of Ireland by section 2(2)(a) of, and Part 4 of Schedule 1 to, the ...

, 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 The Interpretation Act 1978 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act makes provision for the interpretation of Acts of Parliament, Measures of the General Synod of the Church of England, Measures of the Church Assembly, subor ...

. This short title was previously conferred on this Act by section 1 of the Chimney Sweepers Regulation Act 1864 (27 & 28 Vict c 37). was a British

Act of Parliament Acts of Parliament, sometimes referred to as primary legislation, are texts of law passed by the Legislature, legislative body of a jurisdiction (often a parliament or council). In most countries with a parliamentary system of government, acts of ...

passed to try to stop child labour. Many boys as young as six were being used as

chimney sweep A chimney sweep is a person who clears soot and creosote from chimneys. The chimney uses the pressure difference caused by a hot column of gas to create a draught and draw air over the hot coals or wood enabling continued combustion. Chimneys ...

s. 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.

References

United Kingdom Acts of Parliament 1840 United Kingdom labour law Child labour law 1840 in labor relations Chimney sweeps {{UK-hist-stub