Infants of the Brush: A Chimney Sweep's Story

Infants of the Brush is historical fiction based on Armory v. Delamirie, a 1700s court case before the King's Bench against Paul de Lamerie, a silversmith. In the vein of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, Infants of the Brush is set in a time when climbing boys were forced up burning flues to dislodge harmful soot and coal ash.


Egan Whitcombe is just six years old when he is sold to Master Armory for a few coins. As one of Master Armory's eight broomers, Egan quickly learns that his life depends on absolute obedience.


Pitt, the leader of Master Armory's broomers, teaches Egan to sweep chimneys and negotiate for scraps of bread. Broken and starving, the boys discover friendship as they struggle to save five guineas, the cost of a broomer's independence.