Ravenscroft’s Enterprise and its impact on the development of English lead crystal glass

Abstract

The conventional view that George Ravenscroft’s patent of 1674 was granted for the invention of lead glass has been questioned in recent years, the wording in the patent entry book stating, quite simply, ‘A grant to George Ravenscroft Gent. of the sole use and benefit of his invention of Cristaline Glass resembling Rock Cristall, for drinking glasses, for the term and space of seven years, March 19th 1673/4.’ Undoubtedly lead glass emerged from this early enterprise, but this seems to be more the result of changes to the raw materials used rather than being part of the original concept.