History of the Window

The ever inventive Romans were the first to actually fit glass into a frame and construct a modern day type “Window”. As the fall of the Roman Empire was approx. 476AD it took quite a while to catch on!

The British ”Window” was first recorded in the early 14th Century, previously it had been called “eagpyrl” meaning “eye-hole”, it was originally an unglazed hole in the roof. The word “WINDOW” is of Scandinavian descent and is believed to have come over the water along with the invasion of the Vikings. This started in 793AD and lasted 1066 when William the Conqueror became King.

By the later end of the 14th Century Windows were appearing in the positions that we are familiar with today. However they were still open to the elements so animal Skins were sometimes used, Shutters came along quite soon after. Followed by panes made up of flattened animal horn.

Not a lot happened prior to the 16th Century, Glass had started to be used however only the upper class could afford to have glazed windows as the production of glass was extremely expensive. These consisted of small panes set into lead and framed in wrought iron. Surrounded by a timber frame and hinged from one side and opened inwards, quite often with shutters on the outside. As the production of glass advanced, Crown glass production meant that windows became more and more popular, as the costs fell. Towards the end of the 17th Century glass was being produced in larger sheets making available more choice and designs.

There are a number of schools of thought as to where the sash window came from: A popular idea is they came from France, as the word sash might well originate from the French word 'chassis', meaning frame. Some suggest that the sash was invented in the later part of the 17th Century by the Dutch who then introduced them to Great Britain. However, There is proof that the basic design was produced way earlier, without counter balancing and where opened horizontally. These were (and still are) commonly known as 'Yorkshire Sash'.

By the end of the 17th Century, sash windows had become an extremely popular feature and fashionable status symbol throughout properties of Great Britain and extended far out to its Colonies. This was thanks to Sir Christopher Wren and Thomas Kinward, (his master joiner) as they recorded the first specification for a fully functional modern day sash window, whilst working at Whitehall Palace. Further examples were seen very quickly at Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Chatsworth House, giving this Royal Patronage meant that Casement Windows were widely replaced and all new buildings from palaces to cottages installed the new popular Sash design.

The basic sash design was improved considerably during the Georgian era when they introduced the more familiar system of two moveable sashes, as opposed to one. They constructed these windows from Oak with thick glazing bars to hold the small, valuable crown glass panes in place. As the manufacture of glass continued to improve, larger panes were used and the ‘classic’ Georgian design, six over six panes, with narrow glazing bars became the new fashion.

By the time we reached the Victorian era, Sash Window were in most homes and other buildings. After the1850’s, the introduction of plate glass meant windows could be much larger, with only one or maybe two panes of glass to each sash. Intricate mouldings, leaded lights, lattice work and other lavish decoration.

These Windows suited the unpredictable British climate as they were boxed in, which protected them from the British weather, so they were less likely to warp or rot, so giving a much longer life span, Plus they would allow ventilation with out letting the rain enter.

As we progressed into the 19th Century it did seem that nothing would stop the popularity of the Sash Window. However after the 1st World War they did start to decline. This was mainly due to the War, as we had a lack of skilled labour and resources plus Casement windows could be mass-produced at much cheaper prices. This also lead to a change in Architectural Style.

As the population grew, so did the demand for cheap housing, so again Casement was the option taken.

The Casement basic design hasn’t changed much over the years, The Main addition has been with the closing and locking mechanisms, this greatly improved the security and energy efficiency of this type of window.

Over the Past 20 years or so, People have started to realise how well the Sash Window works, Our nations love of its heritage has meant that people have slowed down on ripping out there beautiful old timber windows and replacing them with PVC Casement. That old draughty sash window can now be easily refurbished, bringing back its original grace and elegance but also greatly improving its workings and energy efficiency. Nowadays we are not driven so much by style but on individual taste, and all styles can happily sit side by side. So the Sash window has enjoyed a revival and with over 400 million Sash windows installed in the UK it is a welcome resurgence.