Sash windows in the form of very basic timber shutters have a history dating back as far as the thirteenth century. It was not until roughly the end of the sixteenth century that glazed versions started to appear that where horizontally sliding windows, and during the mid seventeenth century vertical sliding sash windows arrived, mainly in France.

When the nobility came to England (in asylum from the guillotine!) they brought with them across the Channel new ideas and designs of the more sophisticated vertical sliding sash windows.
One of the first glazed sliding sash windows was created and fitted for Henrietta Maria, the Queen Mother, who returning from France with French joiners, encouraged the renovation of Somerset House in London.

The exact history of how the weighted and balanced glazed sash window came about is not clear, although some say that the invention was a British one, many could say it was a French one.
The original vertical sliding sash windows would have been very heavy with thick bars separating the tiny glass panels due to the fact that the glass was so thin, the window would have been a difficult window in its function.

Counter balancing was first used in doors. There is documented evidence of weights and ropes being fitted to doors in various parts of Whitehall. It was only a matter of time before this system was applied to windows.

The sash window has never been patented nor has anybody throughout history has ever claimed to be its inventor.

Glass producers began to make glass that was more reliable and stronger and the British Government of the day stopped the taxation of glass, this all helped towards sash windows with large panes without bars.

It was a sign of being well off during the glass taxation period to have large glass windows in the UK.

Learn more about sash window restoration Stop by Robert Wood’s site where you can find out all about sash window repairs and restoration in London.

Applicable Projects

• HOAB, Fresno City College ~ Fresno, CA
• Hyde St. ~ San Francisco, CA
• Stuart Hall ~ San Francisco, CA
• The McDonald Mansion ~ Santa Rosa, CA