People amazed after learning why some windows have strange circles on them

You likely pass numerous windows daily, but have you ever spotted these peculiar circles adorning some of them? The likelihood is you’ll notice them constantly from this point onwards!

Countless individuals who have observed them are only just discovering their purpose, leaving them utterly captivated by the revelation. History enthusiast and narrator Wayne Stephen recently posted on his TikTok account @wayne_history to enquire whether his followers had ever encountered these “round sections on windows”.

He revealed they are actually termed bullseyes.

Detailing their origins, Wayne explained: “They date back to medieval times. Back then the way of creating glass was that you would blow the glass and you would spin it very fast to create a big circle.

“Now, the flat bits at the end of the circle you would cut off, and they’d be fairly flat pieces of glass that you could use in a regular window. But, the bit in the middle would often be reused.

“In cases where it wouldn’t be reused, it would be sold off cheaper to make windows like this.”

Wayne clarified that certain people would purchase the glass featuring circles deliberately, as “you can let light through but it distorts the view”.

This means you could install a front door with glazing, but due to the circles, passers-by cannot peer inside, whilst still permitting natural light to enter. In the comments section, people were thrilled to finally understand the purpose of these circles.

“I never knew that!! Actually quite interesting,” one person exclaimed. Another added: “I have always wondered this!” while a third remarked: “Funny seen them all my life but never knew that. You learn something every day.”

Historian Alice Loxton shed light on the mystery via TikTok, explaining why some old shops and pubs feature these circular shapes on their windows. She revealed: “In medieval times the way that window glass was made was similar to blowing glass. A blob of molten glass was picked up on a pontil and span rapidly to form a disc.”

While the circular mark would often be remelted, she continued: “Sometimes the bit in the middle was not re-melted and it was sold off cheap for low status buildings, often pubs.

“And you might often see them in front doors, because whilst they can allow sunlight in, they don’t give a clear view into the house, so it does give you some privacy.”

These unique features can frequently be spotted on old pubs, and for those keen to see them in person, a visit to Goodwin’s Court in Covent Garden, London is recommended.