Notes

Beware Of These "Trends" About London Window
Daylight Robbery - London's Blocked-Up Windows

What began as a fascination with London's bricked up windows has turned into an examination of the role that light and air play in our wellbeing. The exhibition Daylight Robbery features 80 photos of the blocked-up windows in the city.

The Great Fire of London marked the beginning of a new phase in the design of windows. This led to a shift in the architecture and the introduction of the sash window.

What is a window?

A window is an opening constructed in a wall, door or roof to let in air and light. It is usually covered with glass panes on the frame to allow opening and closing. A window could also be referred to as a window light or window aperture. pane.

Sash windows are the most well-known type of window in London. They are vertically opening windows that open with an opening mechanism that slides. These windows can still be found in older houses but are less frequent in more modern structures. Modern double glazed sash Windows are constructed from uPVC. They can be opened the same as traditional sash windows, however, they provide greater insulation.

Sash windows are distinctive. They were created because of the narrow streets of London and the tightly packed buildings. Two sashes slide between the frame and are able to overlap when opened. The movement of sash is aided by a system that includes pulleys, weights, as well as counter balances that can be concealed within the frame.

Sash windows can be opened by sliding them open, or by cranking them up like doors. They can be double-hung, single-hung or casement. A casement window opens outward and can have one or more sashes that are held in place or tilt to assist with cleaning. Some casement windows are hinged and swing in or out like an awning. They can also be opened using the crank.

It's easy to see why sash windows have been so popular over the centuries. But, they have their drawbacks. One of the biggest issues is that it can be difficult to ensure their security in the face of modern security issues. We suggest replacing your old sash window with the latest tilt-and turn models that are more effective in keeping intruders away.

The Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of London was an enormous fire that destroyed the city of London on 2nd September 1666. When the fire was finally extinguished, on Thursday the 6th, only four fifths of the city remained standing. It destroyed 13,000 homes, 89 churches and 52 Guild Halls. A large number of people were left homeless. double glazing lock repairs near me is believed that the fire was started by the bakery in Pudding Lane. The fire quickly spread due to the presence of combustible materials in warehouses as well as an intense easterly breeze. It is estimated that around 16 people were killed.

After the fire, Charles II began rebuilding the city. Sir Christopher Wren designed a new St Paul's Cathedral and laid the foundations for numerous churches throughout the city. He also paved roads that were wider and made sure that buildings were constructed of brick instead of timber. The city became less crowded because of the fire.

Sash windows have been a part of London architecture for many centuries. They are a popular choice because they provide a successful blend of traditional style and modern technology. However, it took them a while to reach where they are today.

The first sash windows were invented in the 17th century. It featured a vertical sliding bar and a fixed sash. The window could be opened into the room, but not upwards to the sky. Over the years the design of the sash was altered and it became more of a box-shaped window. The sash is an extremely popular window that is utilized in a variety of styles of houses and apartments.

Jen Pedler chose a trompe l'oeil window in Smithfield depicts the return of a sailor back to his family. "I love it because the scene could occur." She added, "It's a very atmospheric space and it's simple for me to imagine what's going on in the room to the left."

Andy Summers, an artist has captured more than 80 bricked up windows in the City of London as part of his ongoing project Daylight Robbery. He initially was intrigued by the aesthetics of these windows, but later discovered that these windows have a significant historical significance.

Sash windows

The capital with its rich and lengthy history is home to a number of gorgeous period buildings. Sash windows are a feature that's often associated with these historic properties. From aristocratic townhouses to simple terraces, they can be seen all over the streets of the capital city.

Despite their popularity in the past, the traditional sash window styles don't always look appealing in the present day. They're known for letting in draughts and being difficult to open or close, and often getting stuck. However, a new double-glazed sash windows from Lomax + Wood can be refreshing, providing a high-quality timber solution that's easy to operate and offers great energy efficiency.

It's unclear who came up with the idea for the sash window, although English craftsmen have the strongest claim of being responsible. They are also credited with changing building regulations after the Great Fire, which led to wider windows being replaced with frames that were narrower and less likely to catch fire. These recessed frames are what give Georgian and Victorian facades their distinctive style.

The sash consists of tiny panes that are that are held in muntins or glazing bars. In the past, windows were constructed of multiple panes because glass was costly. If one broke, replacing it would cost a lot. The cost of glass has fallen dramatically, so windows are now made of a single pane with astragal bars to give them the appearance of smaller panels.

Sash windows can be opened either by sliding them, or using the box sash mechanism. double glazing north london can also be opened at both ends and this is known as a double-hung sash. The two sashes are anchored in vertical grooves within the frame by a sash cable and counterbalanced by weights hidden inside the frame of the box.

A lot of sash windows are 100-years-old and may be experiencing issues such as rattles or draughts. However we can replace them with modern, double-glazed windows that are FENSA registered and have met the strict building regulations for thermal performance, security and acoustic insulation.

Windows that have been smashed

As you walk through the streets of the old England, you may have noticed that windows are often replaced with bricks. This may sound odd, but it's a very good cause, and it's a matter of money. Back in 1696, there was a tax on windows imposed which charged homeowners more based on how many windows their homes had. Also known as the 'daylight robbery This tax was so detested that people went to extraordinary measures to avoid it.

One way was to build their homes with a minimal amount of windows, or even without them altogether and others would block them up. The window-blocking trend was only temporary because the 'daylight-robbery fee was eventually eliminated in 1851. It's still common to see windows with bricks on the sides of older structures and you can identify if they were originally windows by searching for a lintel and sill that match to the place where the glass would have been.

Another way to find out is to look for the stepped-back lines in the brickwork which mimics the lines that the glass would have taken up on either side. Check to see whether all the bricks have the identical colour. If there is a gap where the window should be, it is likely that the glass never blocked.


The Daylight Robbery, an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London is worth a visit for those who are interested in knowing more about these windows. The exhibit explores the effects of light and air on our health and well-being.

The exhibition has its faults. Particularly, it claims that "many" of the houses featured were bricked up to avoid the Georgian era window tax. (And local window companies near me isn't just because of a general dislike for the tax.) The exhibition also fails to consider the complexity of the conditions that affect well-being, particularly health, following the introduction of the window tax and during the so-called "lockdown" period.

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