May 1st has a special place in the hearts of chimney sweeps across the world. It’s a day of celebration, a day where we can let our hair down and enjoy ourselves. But what’s the story behind this annual celebration?
May 1st, also known as May Day, has a long and proud history. And chimney sweeps played a major part in its creation. Before Parliament passed the Chimney Sweepers and Chimneys Regulation Act in 1840, it was perfectly legal for sweeps to employ young boys to clean chimneys. These boys were bought by Master Sweeps from poor families, and some of them were as young as six years old.
These children were small enough to climb up flues and give them a good scrubbing, unlike today where modern sweeps wear protective clothing and masks. These young climbing boys breathed in large amounts of muck and slept on sacks of soot, which made them prone to illnesses and the most awful of diseases. To add to their misery, they only had one day off a year – May 1st.
On May Day each year, sweeps would join in celebrations in local towns and villages where dancing and other entertainment took place. It was their one day of respite from the grueling work of chimney sweeping, and they made the most of it.
It’s because of this that even today, May 1st is still known as the chimney sweeps’ holiday. There’s even a Chimney Sweeps Festival that takes place in Medway, Kent, to mark the occasion. The festival celebrates the rich history of chimney sweeping and includes music, dance, and street performances.
So if you’re trying to contact ProSweep on May 1st, don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while. We may be out dancing around the local maypole or celebrating in some other way. It’sour day, and we’ve earned the right to enjoy it!!
Get a professional and personalized chimney sweep and stove flue service in the Newton Abbot, Torquay, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Bovey Tracey, Chagford and surrounding areas with ProSweep. Approved by Devon Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme, your professional chimney sweep will provide a certificate of sweeping upon completion of the job. Schedule your appointment by calling 01626 832051.