In 1990 in Wolsleley, glass furnaces from mediaeval times were excavated. Glass making was a thriving industry during the mediaeval period, and in 1419, glass made in our area was bought by York Minster. This glass was then painted and installed, in the cathedral’s chancel windows.
The story of glass making in the West Midlands, can be linked back to two gentleman from France, who flew the country due to the persecution of Protestanst at the time. French brothers, Thomas and Balthazar Hennezel came to England in 1568 to make glass. As they used wood to fire their furnaces, they required a woodland area to start their work. By 1600, they had arrived in Cannock Chase and the furnace they used, is the one that was excavated in Rugeley in 1990s. They then moved on to the Stour Valley but there is evidence from historical records, that glass making continued in our area well into 16th century.
Photo credit: istock/em_prize