The boy chimney sweep who changed the law

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The death of child chimney sweep George Brewster in Fulbourn in 1875 was the latest tragedy to befall so-called ‘climbing boys’ in Victorian Britain. But it would be the catalyst for a seismic change in child labour laws – improving their life chances and saving countless lives. Nick Carter hears how that change came about – and how his story is now being re-told in the 21st century. (Photo: Whitemay/Getty)