The chimney - another important Medieval European invention

The Chimney is a dimly appreciated medieval concoction, unique in the world at the time of its arrival, and desperately relevant to take away toxins, and provide a functional hearth or heat source for both comfort and cooking.

Ruth Johnston discusses chimneys in her excellent encyclopedia, 'All things Medieval' [here]. Starting in the 11^th century [and likely long before this period]; castles and large complexes employed chimneys which would be housed on each floor, usually connected within a straight vertical shaft. The chimney was vital as a distribution channel of smoke and air-born detritus emanating from a fireplace. Without the chimney a 'hearth' becomes untenable and quite dangerous. The chimney is the best method to channel smoke and toxins out of the house or hearth area; whilst allowing this same area to provide numerous benefits including; heat, an area to cook, light and a gathering place freed from the cold and damp.

A lantern or covering was used to protect the inside of the chimney from rain and snow. Soot would build up, giving rise to the profession of a chimney sweep, documented in 12^th century literature. The chimney initiated an entire industry dedicated to fireplaces, hearths, and stone or brick development for heating and cooking.

As the manufacturing of cheaper resilient brick increased, prices dropped, making the brick, in the place of more expensive stone, a suitable and convenient material for chimneys. By the 14^th century most older homes and estates were retrofitted with chimneys matching new building structures which for centuries had incorporated chimneys into the design.

As with most medieval inventions the chimney is not as simple as it looks. The components of a chimney are;

-hearth area of tile or stone

-lantern structure in the roof with side openings an sloping boards

-roof ventilators made of tile

-the brick work itself, implying advanced stone masonry skills

-plaster and mortar

As with many inventions, the chimney looks 'obvious', but its creation was anything but straightforward or simple and it only occurred in Medieval Christian Europe.