The History Of Sash Windows In London

4th March 2016

Sash windows dominated most properties in the UK throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. This type of window was a popular part of homes during the Victorian era. In the early 1900s, sash windows were not as widely used as before. Recently though, there has been a resurgence of sash windows amongst homeowners within London and across the UK.

But when was the first time sash windows were used in London houses and how did it become popular back then? Below is a detailed discussion of the history of the sash window in London.

Request a free sash window installation or replacement quote >

First use of sash windows

There are no accurate records on where and when sash windows were first used in homes. There are many speculations which believed it was first used in France. This was due to the origin of the name “sash” which means “chassis”, or frame in French. However, the early use of sash windows in French homes didn’t make use of a sliding frame and counter-balancing system. During their first use in France, sash windows utilised a swivel block instead. Some experts believe the actual first usage of sash windows as we know them began in London after the Great Fire incident of 1666.

Sash windows and Robert Hooke

There are some Historians who believe the sash window design is attributed to Robert Hooke. Robert Hooke is a famous philosopher and architect who lived during the 17th century. Hooke was a London surveyor and helped in the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666. He was able to design several noteworthy buildings such as Ragley Hall, Buckinghamshire and Montagu House. These buildings utilised sash windows. Hooke’s credit for the creation of sash windows is the invention of counterbalance weights. The separate weight is responsible for holding the position of the window.

London Building Act

After the Great Fire, a London Building Act was proposed a year after the incident. It required window sills to be installed in homes. According to the act, windows needed to be four inches deep or more. In 1709, the legislation was passed and most homes within London complied with the act. This meant houses within London had a sliding sash window installed during this time. This can be due to the paranoia many Londoners felt when they experienced the Great Fire.

Sash windows were made in order to make homes safer for the residents in case another incident like the Great Fire might occur in the future. There are no clear records as to who invented sash windows. There is a possibility Robert Hooke contributed to the creation of this type of window but whoever was responsible, sash windows have become a well-loved addition to the London home.

Thinking of upgrading your sash windows? Contact us today >

Living in London and looking to transform your home?

If you’re after Installation, Replacement & Upgrade Specialists for Sash Windows or Casement Windows visit us at The Specialists in Traditional Sash Windows or call us on 0800 389 7384 to arrange a visit to our showroom today.

We endeavour to serve as much of the South-East of England and surrounding counties as possible and have been installing & renovating sash windows, casement windows and doors throughout these areas since our founding in 1999. We cover areas including Central London, South London, South West London, West london, Surrey, Berkshire, Parts of Kent, Hampshire, Middlesex and Parts of East and West Sussex. Please see the areas we serve for further location details.