Window Tax

At the time when the window tax was introduced in 1696, window design was undergoing the most significant change, both aesthetically and functionally, in the history of architecture in England. The status value of sash windows was increased by the window tax. In 1746, a heavy excise duty on glass was introduced, and it was increased over the years until the tax was abolished in 1861. During the interval, as is well-known, many sash ß∑windows were blocked. This process, however, is often confused with the use of dummy windows to maintain proportions.