The City Tron Men; Or, Chimney-sweepers

Category

Library Item

Item no

13300

Title

The City Tron Men; or, chimney-sweepers

Description

A chimney sweep carries the tools of his trade, a step ladder, rope and brush. Another chimney sweep carries a sack. They both walk down a street and pass under a street lamp.

Artist / maker

Kay, John

Date

1801

Size

18.5 x 12 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying text in the volume begins as follows:
"The personal history of these men is almost entirely unknown; and probably few incidents in their humble progress through life would be found worthy of recording. The elder of the two, DAVID GILCHRIST, was a worthy enough person in his way; and he is still remembered by some of the sable fraternity of Edinburgh. He lived in the College Wynd, off the Cowgate.
At a remote period, there was only one individual of the name of Hamilton - resident in the West Port - who devoted his attention solely to the sweeping of chimneys. He kept a number of men and boys in his employment; but the city, notwithstanding, was very indifferently supplied. In order to remedy this state of things - as well as to avoid the barbarous system of 'climbing boys' twelve men, previously porters, were appointed chimney-sweepers for the city, with an annual allowance of one guinea, and certain other perquisites. They were called 'Tron-men', from the circumstance of their being stationed at the Trone, or public beam for weighing, which formerly stood in front of the Tron Church."

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Related subjects

People > Domestic > Chimney sweeps

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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