From Georgian townhouses and Victorian terraces to futuristic new builds and countryside cottages, it’s safe to say that the UK boasts a plethora of architectural styles. Whether you find yourself tucked away in a remote valley or living the fast life among the hustle and bustle of a city, the space you call home is important for so many reasons.
With this in mind, one thing that many properties have in common is a chimney. Picture a child’s drawing, for example. Two windows, a door and, of course a chimney with smoke billowing into the air. That said, these structures serve a very real purpose, and played an important role in the evolution of domestic abodes.
Here at Shropshire Brick & Stone, we thought we’d doff our caps to the humble chimney. Read on to discover their interesting history.
Early Dwellings
Chimneys were not always the sturdy structures we know today and followed a far simpler design at the time of their invention. Historians believe the chimney to have first appeared during the middle ages, around the 11th century. At this time, they were likely to have been constructed using plaster, mud and wood.
Dangers & Developments
Fast forward to the 17th century, and the dangers of crudely constructed chimneys became more apparent. Fires, smoke poisoning and other issues clarified the risk of badly built chimneys, encouraging laws to be passed regarding the quality of these structures.
In 1719, around 50 years after the great fire of London, a law was passed ordering that all clay-built chimneys be rebuilt with brick.
Modern Chimney Stacks
It’s safe to say that we’ve come a long way since the days of clay chimneys and wooden stacks; modern design techniques and heat resistant materials mean that these structures are safer than ever. That said, it is crucial that a chimney is properly built and maintained. Whether you’re renovating an older property, or starting from scratch, the services of an architectural stone specialist will prove invaluable.
Shropshire Brick & Stone
For the very best in cast stone construction, brick cutting and bespoke decorative work, look no further than Shropshire Brick & Stone. We’re proud to offer a complete range of comprehensive services for clients across the UK. Whether you’re hunting for commercial stone suppliers, hoping to renovate your cast stone walls or discuss an upcoming project, we’re here to help.
Why not get in touch with a member of our friendly team to discuss your requirements?
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