Householders found the tax burden lifted by increasing flues for the extra fireplaces within the existing chimney spaces. The amount of tax depended on the size of the home, which also included the number of chimneys. At the same time, citizens were subject to a hearth tax. The notion of snug fireplaces and chimneys became popular and there was increasing demand for more fireplaces in homes, to heat individual rooms. Sweeping took off in the 17th to 18th century period, as an established profession. It soon became apparent that sweeping was needed to keep chimneys clean. Chimneys quickly evolved from plaster and wood models to brick types. Matters changed in the 16th century when development in medieval England saw the popularity rise of fireplaces and chimneys as distinct heating appliances and a safe location for indoor cooking. Smoke as a general rule escaped through doors, windows, or roof openings, despite the dangers involved. Homes were heated by a central wood fire on hearthstones either in the centre or side of a room, later supported by smoke hoods. Sweeping was needed simply because of the invention of chimneys for domestic fires and with coal fuel as a heating source.ĭespite the Roman invention of the chimney, largely for baking but to funnel off log fire smoke to outside roofs, it took centuries for the idea to become popular. Even so, sweeping is an ancient profession with a colourful history hailing back to Roman times. Today, chimney sweeping is a sophisticated trade. From chimney sweeping boys and girls of the 17th to 19th centuries, to ‘Ol ‘Bert from Mary Poppins, the sweep trade continues to fascinate people with the imagined depiction of cheerful, plucky sweeps working in an ethereal, alternative world of dark holes, high rooftops and non-stop sweat and grime.

There are few trades by hard working men, which fire the imagination as much as chimney sweeping.

Apprentice chimney sweep mary poppins