Timber Sash Windows in Islington (N1)
Islington, renowned for its rich architectural heritage, showcases an impressive array of historic buildings across the borough.
The streets and squares of Islington and Barnsbury are adorned with flat-fronted Georgian terraces, making it a prime area for timber sash windows.
Highbury is also home to a wealth of Edwardian and Victorian red-brick homes, which line roads including Calabria and Baalbec (N5), near Highbury Fields, the largest open space in the borough.
These period properties are a testament to Islington’s historical charm. Islington has 40 designated conservation areas, covering around 50% of the local authority area, and 4,500 statutorily listed buildings as well as a number of locally listed buildings. These protected areas help to retain the beautiful timber sash windows in Islington.
We regularly work in Islington, and across North London. Our timber windows are designed to retain the traditional charm of your home, while improving energy efficiency. Where necessary, we can also comply to Conservation Area and listed building regulations.
Contact us today for a quote to replace or draught proof your timber windows.
17th Century: Marks the Beginning of Wooden Sash Windows in Islington
The transformation of Islington from a hamlet to a village in the 17th century saw properties appear along Upper Street (N1) and Lower Road, now known as Essex Road (N1).
Despite this development, Islington was still largely made up of agricultural land during the 1600s and was famed for its dairy production. Towards the late 17th century, Islington became a retreat for city dwellers looking to escape the city, with the Islington Spa (Clerkenwell), opposite Sadler’s Wells (EC1R), becoming a popular attraction.
The 18th century witnessed a significant increase in housing, with the number of houses rising from 325 in 1708 to 1,200 by 1793.
As a result of its proximity to London, by 1819 Islington’s population was said to be mainly retirees and those with a connection to the capital, all of whom lived in Georgian terraces along the main road or in the streets directly behind them.
Islington Sash Windows: A Historical Perspective
The classic Georgian sash window design boasting six panes over six panes would likely have featured in these terraces, with the design remaining in place even with the advent of larger panes of glass in the latter part of the 19th Century.
Box Sash Windows: An Evolution in Islington
Many historic buildings in Islington still feature their original single-glazed sash windows, in particular featuring the slim profiles and glazing bars common to 19th century sash windows. This delicate design arose as a result of improvements to the manufacturing process, however, their narrow design left the frame vulnerable to stress particularly in the frame corners.
As a result horned sashes – featuring a stronger through tenon joint – were a key feature of sash windows from the mid-19th Century onwards.
Canonbury, in particular, boasts numerous homes with traditional 19th century double-hung timber sliding sash windows. Unlike the earlier single-hung sash windows, double-hung sash windows used counterbalanced weights, allowing independent movement of both the bottom and top sash.
Islington Timber Windows: Preserving the Charm
Today Islington is home to array of architectural properties, from the Victorian terraces of Liverpool Road (N1) to the period conversion flats in John Spencer Square (N1).
The preservation and restoration of sash windows are crucial to maintaining the borough’s historic charm. At The Sash Window Workshop, we understand the importance of retaining the traditional charm of your windows and doors.
We have over 30 years experience draught proofing and sympathetically replacing timber windows and doors in Islington. For a free, no-obligation quote, contact our team today on: 01344 868 668.