Timber Sash Windows in Wimbledon
Period Properties in Wimbledon’s Conservation Areas
The London borough of Merton boasts 28 Conservation Areas, so it is no surprise that Wimbledon (located in the borough of Merton) is a treasure trove of period properties.
We regularly work in SW19, and across London. Our new windows are designed to retain the traditional charm of the property, while improving energy efficiency. Where necessary, we can comply to Conservation Area and listed building regulations.
Contact us today for a quote to replace or draught proof your timber windows.
19th Century Wimbledon: Traditional Wooden Sash Windows
In the early 19th century, Wimbledon was a relatively quiet village where rural residents lived alongside affluent merchants and nobility.
However, this changed in 1838 with the arrival of the London and South Western Railway, which introduced a station at the bottom of Wimbledon Hill (SW19). This development shifted the town’s focal point to the southeast corner, setting the stage for Wimbledon’s transformation into the bustling town it is today.
The expansion of transport networks, including the Wimbledon and Croydon Railway (1855), the Tooting, Merton, and Wimbledon Railway (1868), and the Metropolitan District Railway extension (now the District Line) from Putney in 1889, spurred a population boom. Wimbledon’s population surged from about 2,500 in 1851 to over 40,000 by 1901.
Dubbed ‘New Wimbledon,’ the area at the base of Wimbledon Hill saw a surge in development to accommodate the growing population. This included the construction of terraced houses and villas along routes connecting the centre of Wimbledon to Putney, Merton Park and Raynes Park.
Sash Window Styles in Wimbledon
Traditional timber sash windows adorned many of these homes. However, the sash window styles in the 19th-century were as diverse as the homes themselves.
Examples include the detailed 8-pane timber sash windows at Wilton Crescent (SW19). While the ‘six over six’ sash window configuration was typical of the Georgian era, larger ‘eight over eight’ designs also became popular.
The five two-story terrace houses at Church Path, dating back to around 1867, feature 16-pane sash windows.
The introduction of ‘margin lights’ around a central sash pane, popular during the Regency period (1811-1820), added to the variety of sash windows in the area.
Preserving Timber Box Sash Windows in Wimbledon, London
Despite modern developments, Wimbledon’s architectural landscape retains many historical elements. Founded in 1903, The Wimbledon Society works diligently to preserve the area’s heritage, evidenced by the numerous buildings adorned with sash windows of varying designs.
Like the tradition of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, the commitment to architectural preservation is likely to remain for many years to come.
Expert Sash Window Services in Wimbledon
With over 30 years of experience, The Sash Window Workshop specialises in timber windows and doors in Wimbledon and across London.
Whether your timber windows or doors need replacing or draught proofing, contact us for a free quote or call us on: 01344 868 668.