Timothy Bertie Chimney Boy 1821

Timothy Bertie was an orphan earning a living by one of the dirtiest and most dangerous jobs imagineable, climbing up sooty chimneys. Many died or were injured from falls, suffocation or even burning.  In the early 1830s, however Parliament became more preoccupied generally with the exploitation of child labour. The Chimney Sweeps Act was passed in 1834 outlawing the apprenticing of any child below the age of ten. Furthermore, no child was to be actually engaged in cleaning chimneys under the age of 14. The 1840 Act prohibited any person under 21 being compelled or knowingly allowed to ascend or descend a chimney or flue for sweeping, cleaning or coring. This Act ensured all chimney-sweeps would be registered with the police, and that official supervision of their work would take place.

Bailiffgate mice are all hand-made, all are unique and they are highly collectable. Most are approximately 18 cm high. They will be displayed in Bailiffgate throughout the period of our  “Childhood” exhibition  in the summer of 2024 for children to find and enjoy in the glass cabinets. At the end of the exhibition all mouse adopters will receive their adopted mice with a certificate of adoption.  You can adopt any individual mouse  for just £15 by clicking below and adding it to your basket.

Adoption as a company costs £25 .  (Please contact us ref. company adoption). We  will be happy to display your logo on the website alongside your mouse  or group, and talk about other ways to promote your sponsorship. Please hurry though because the mice will go fast!

Please note that our characters often contain small parts, and are not suitable for small children.