Glass
plays an essential role in our lives and has done for centuries. Glass has not
always been so ubiquitous and this book charts the development of the English
glass industry from the medieval period to recent times.





Medieval
glass was a scarce, luxury material used to furnish the tables of the
wealthiest members of society, and to glaze only churches and palaces. The
industry was small and largely based in rural areas, where the necessary raw
materials (in particular wood for fuel) were abundant.





In
the 16th century, glass manufacture increased and benefited from technological
development (largely brought by immigrant glass makers). This encouraged a drop
in prices for customers which probably helped to increase the demand for glass.
Throughout the 17th century the English glass industry was transformed by the
use of new coal-fuelled furnaces, and raw materials, especially seaweed and
lead. By the 18th century, glass was routinely used to glaze houses even for
the less wealthy members of society, store wine and beer, and serve drinks. The
scientific analysis of glass and glass working waste from this period has
advanced considerably in recent years and has enriched our understanding of the
raw materials and technologies employed in glass manufacture.