_Introduction of Glass into England_ (Vol. v., p. 322.).--It is
impossible to determine at what period the use of glass utensils for
domestic purposes was first introduced into this country; but being
manufactured by the Egyptians and Phoenicians, we may very probably owe
the introduction of it to them. Window glass appears to have been used
in the churches of France as early as the sixth century; and according
to Bede, artificers skilled in the art of glass-making were invited into
England by Abbot Benedict in the seventh century; and the churches or
monasteries of Wearmouth and Garrow were glazed and adorned by his care.
Wilfrid, Bishop of Worcester, about the same time took similar steps for
substituting glass in lieu of the heavy shutters which were then in use;
and great astonishment was excited, and supernatural agency suspected,
when the moon and stars were seen through a material which excluded the
inclemency of the weather. York Cathedral was glazed about the same
time; and in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, when a great stimulus
was given to the erection of religious edifices, glass was generally
employed in the windows. It appears to have been used in domestic
architecture but very sparingly, till a much later period, when it came
to be gradually adopted in the residences of the wealthy. As late as the
middle of the sixteenth century it was recommended, in a survey of the
Duke of Northumberland's estates, that the glass in the windows should
be taken down, and laid by in safety during the absence of the Duke and
his family, and be replaced on his return; as this would be attended
with smaller cost than the repair rendered necessary by damage or decay.
In Ray's _Itinerary_ it is mentioned that in Scotland, even in 1661, the
windows of ordinary houses were not glazed, and those only of the
principal chambers of the King's palaces had glass; the lower ones being
supplied with shutters, to admit light and air at pleasure.
Plate glass for mirrors and coach windows was introduced into England by
the second Duke of Buckingham, who brought over workmen from Venice, and
established a manufactory at Lambeth, where the works were carried on
successfully according to the process in use at Venice.
The first manufactory for cast plate glass, according to the process
invented by Abraham Thévart, was established in 1773, at Prescot in
Lancashire, by a society of gentlemen, to whom a royal charter was
granted, under the name of the "British Plate Glass Company."