When most people think of a Chimney Sweep and Chimney Sweeping, they conjure an image of a soot-covered child in the midst of the Dickensian Industrial Revolution. A Chimney Sweep is an ancient profession; records of people earning their living by cleaning chimneys go back as far as the 16th century. Chimney Boys (and some girls), generally aged between 6 and 8 years old but some as young as 4, were finally outlawed in 1875 five years after the introduction of the 1870 Education Act and of more ‘humane’ methods of Sweeping and Cleaning Chimneys.

Old-fashioned fireplaces in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire, are becoming increasingly coveted, there is a good reason for this: a well installed fireplace can add lovely character to a room, and, as long as it is well maintained, can be an terrific source of heat during the winter months. The benefits of having a real fire in your home however, must be balanced by dedicating a little time and money ensuring that your fireplace functions efficiently and above all SAFELY.

When most people think of a Chimney Sweep and Chimney Sweeping, they conjure an image of a soot-covered child in the midst of the Dickensian Industrial Revolution. A Chimney Sweep is an ancient profession; records of people earning their living by cleaning chimneys go back as far as the 16th century. Chimney Boys (and some girls), generally aged between 6 and 8 years old but some as young as 4, were finally outlawed in 1875 five years after the introduction of the 1870 Education Act and of more ‘humane’ methods of Sweeping and Cleaning Chimneys.