The Essex company that provided windows for the Titanic
Over 175 years ago, one man moved to Braintree and set up a business, which served some of the world’s most iconic buildings. In 1849, Francis Crittal, originally from Kent, moved to Braintree and opened a small manufacturing company, which would later be known for working on some very famous buildings and ships.
Crittall Manufacturing Company opened on 27 Bank Street in Braintree, and initially had a shop, a warehouse, a yard, and a living area. Despite starting off small, the manufacturer turned out to be a massive global success, working for royalty, as well as on religious and political buildings, and one ship that hit headlines just before the first world war.
The manufacturer, which specialised in making metal framed windows, became a world renowned company with branches all over the globe. Not only did the Essex based company work on projects for hospitals, shops, and houses, the company also worked on Buckingham Palace as well as Coventry Cathedral, Royal Festival Hall, Peace Palace in The Hague, Holland, and the Titanic.
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The ill-fated ship had 1,116 portholes as well as 416 windows in the hull and deckhouses. In 1912, the Titanic set sail from Southampton on its maiden voyage, travelling to New York, after costing £3 million to manufacture, around £370 million today. On April 15, the 46,328 tonne ship sank after hitting an iceberg, killing around 1,500 people who had been on board.
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