The manuscript is of a short story of Maria Edgeworth that recounts the history of a young chimney sweep referred to as ‘Pretty Bob’ and, later ‘Poor Bob’. It highlights the harsh conditions of such work for children.

The story was first published by John Murray in 1832 as part of ‘Garry Owen, or, The snow-woman ; and Poor Bob, the chimney- sweeper’.

Original foliation of the manuscript has been retained (ff. 1-14), with a wrapper for the manuscript placed after (ff.15-16).

The suggested date of the manuscript is taken from the watermark of the paper.