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GalleryTRADING SINCE 1849
Crafting beautiful steel windows and doors since the reign of Queen Victoria.
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![Crittall employees working on building steel windows in old factory]()
![Crittall employee working on building an steel window in old factory]()
![Crittall employee working on building an steel window in old factory]()
![Crittall employee working on building an steel window in old factory]()
The Original Steel Window and Door Manufacturer
Crittall’s story begins in 1849, with an ironmonger’s shop in Braintree, England, owned by Frances Berrington Crittall. In 1884, his son, Francis Henry Crittall, took the helm and made the pivotal decision to help pioneer the production of steel-framed windows.
Over the coming decades, Crittall grew rapidly. During both World Wars, Crittall factories shifted production to support the war effort. Women workers made munitions and crucial war supplies, including Bailey bridges, wing spars for planes and windows for military buildings.
Contact UsCrittall Windows Through the Decades
Explore Crittall's remarkable journey through time, from its humble beginnings to its status today as a leader in steel windows and doors.
1849
Bank Street Ironmongery
Frances Berrington Crittall arrives in Braintree, Essex, and buys an ironmongery on Bank Street.
1884
Francis Henry Crittall Takes Helm
His son Francis Henry Crittall takes over the business and begins manufacturing steel windows.
1909
Fenestra Joint Innovation
Crittall Windows creates the fenestra joint, an innovation that offers superior strength. This allows for slimmer glazing bars and larger expanses of glass, offering more natural light.
1912
Universal Profile Ranges
Crittall Windows introduces a universal range of steel profiles, allowing for greater efficiency in manufacturing.
1919
Witham Works Factory
Crittall opens a new factory in Witham, and the first ‘cottage windows’ are produced for Government housing schemes, a decision spearheaded by Valentine Crittall.
1939
Witham Galvanising Plant
A new galvanising plant is opened in Witham – Crittall Windows uses hot-dipped galvanising for frames to provide a weatherproof finish.
1965
Merger with Henry Hope and Sons
A merger with Henry Hope and Sons Ltd sees Crittall Windows continue to rapidly expand.
1974
Retirement of John Francis Crittall
John Francis Crittall is the last Crittall family member to be involved with the business. He retires in 1974.
2004-07
New Management, New Factory
A new management buyout sees Crittall continue to go from strength to strength, with new manufacturing premises in Witham opened in 2007.
2010
Queen’s Award for Enterprise
Crittall Windows is presented the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2010, following the company’s expansion into exporting to the United States.
Crittall Windows Today: World-leading Steel Windows
Crittall Windows hasn’t just maintained the legacy built by the Crittall family. Today, the company continues to thrive in the modern world. We still blend traditional crafting techniques with modern technological innovations, and we remain a world leader in the manufacturing of steel windows and doors.
Our reach has expanded in the 21st century to include supplying steel window frames for both residential properties and commercial projects internationally. We remain as dedicated to exceptional quality as ever, and continually invest in cutting-edge technology to ensure the efficiency of our operations.
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