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Light / Ancient Lights
- the framed part of a widow opening. In a medieval timber framed building,
a window
would be formed by several lights separated by mullions.
"Ancient lights" is a term used to describe long existing windows, which
have acquired a right to light by long usuage, and which may stop the erection of adjoining
buildings, where they
would result in a loss of light. As natural light within buildings came to be more and more appreciated,
the right to light became important, as it was one of the few methods available to control what would
otherwise be held as reasonable development.