Superseding the Necessity of Climbing Boys

[RichardB]

In 1803 a letter signed 'Pity' appeared in the Iris (or Sheffield Advertiser), its object was to invite the attention of the public to the situation of that wretched class of beings the children employed in the service of the master chimneysweepers.

It proceeded from the humane and enlightened mind of Mr T A Ward of Park-House, a gentleman to whom his native town has already many obligations. It was immediately answered by Mr Samuel Roberts of Park-grange and the

"Society for Seperseding the Necessity of Climbing Boys"

was formed. They began by the introduction of machinery adapted for the purpose for which the children had been employed, and succeeded to a certain extent in obtaining for it the approbation of the inhabitants. But they were unwilling to change their old practice, and more were lukewarm in their support.

Mr Roberts in particular laboured to procure a more extended attention to the subject, and the circulation of his 'Tales of the Poor' has in more than one instance been the means of inciting the humane in other places to the attempt of obtaining the utter abolition of the practice.

The Sheffield Society has brought the subject under the consideration of Parliament: and it is hoped that such enactments may be made as will secure the young and defenceless from the possibilityof being engaged in an employment so injurious, so dangerous and so degrading.

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Now we just need a copy of 'Tales of the Poor'

[syrup]

In 1803 a letter signed 'Pity' appeared in the Iris (or Sheffield Advertiser), its object was to invite the attention of the public to the situation of that wretched class of beings the children employed in the service of the master chimneysweepers.

It proceeded from the humane and enlightened mind of Mr T A Ward of Park-House, a gentleman to whom his native town has already many obligations. It was immediately answered by Mr Samuel Roberts of Park-grange and the

"Society for Seperseding the Necessity of Climbing Boys"

was formed. They began by the introduction of machinery adapted for the purpose for which the children had been employed, and succeeded to a certain extent in obtaining for it the approbation of the inhabitants. But they were unwilling to change their old practice, and more were lukewarm in their support.

Mr Roberts in particular laboured to procure a more extended attention to the subject, and the circulation of his 'Tales of the Poor' has in more than one instance been the means of inciting the humane in other places to the attempt of obtaining the utter abolition of the practice.

The Sheffield Society has brought the subject under the consideration of Parliament: and it is hoped that such enactments may be made as will secure the young and defenceless from the possibilityof being engaged in an employment so injurious, so dangerous and so degrading.

-------------------------------

Now we just need a copy of 'Tales of the Poor'

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1XwIAAA...;q=&f=false