Day 10. The Windows

The humblest early houses contained no windows. Warmth was a more important consideration than light, and the occupants relied on candle and firelight.
The timber-framed houses built from the Medieval period had small 'mullioned' windows, comprising several vertical wooden bars incorporated into the frames. These were usually shuttered as glass was prohibitively expensive.
In most cases the mullions have long since been removed, but the holes they slotted into are often still apparent if the modern window frame is removed.

The increasing affordability of window glass from the 18^th century had a dramatic effect on architecture. Windows grew bigger – rooms could be naturally lit with no problem of drafts or inclement weather – and the heavy mullions were replaced with elaborate styles which became an important architectural feature.

 

 A typical Georgian-style window of the 18^th century. The liftable sash allowed ventilation if desired.

 

 It is often easy to tell in timber-framed buildings if the original windows have been altered.  No alteration to the surrounding timbers of the first window has taken place. It is obviously the original size, although the frame is modern.

The second window has been enlarged at some point. It encroaches into the adjacent timbers, and the horizontal timber beneath has been removed. This may herald to the time when the occupant was able to afford the installation of glass.