Waterford, Ireland's oldest city is believed to have been established by the Viking Ragnall (the grandson of Ivar the Boneless) in 914 AD.

When was Waterford created?

Waterford Crystal was first established in 1783 on land adjacent to Merchants' Quay in the heart of the Irish harbor town of Waterford, just minutes from the present-day House of Waterford Crystal. Its founders were brothers George and William Penrose, important developers and principal exporters in the city.

How old is Waterford city?

Waterford is one of Ireland's oldest cities and is thought to have been founded by Vikings in the 9th century. It was taken over by Anglo-Norman invaders in the 12th century, and was one of the most important Old English centres in medieval Ireland.

Who founded Waterford Glass?

The Penrose brothers opened the first glassmaking factory in Waterford in 1783, where their crystal was immediately recognized for its clarity and purity of colour. They enjoyed success well into the 1800s.

When was Waterford made in Ireland?

Waterford Crystal began around October 3rd, in 1783 in Waterford City, Ireland when George and William Penrose petitioned Parliament for aid to establish their Waterford Glass House. Within one year, the factory was making the finest quality glass in Europe.

2013, Waterford - Ireland Oldest City

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Where is the Waterford factory?

The House of Waterford Crystal is located in Waterford, Ireland, a Viking city built in 914 AD. This esteemed factory is the beating heart of the world's luxury crystal manufacture and is where our most intricate, authentic and masterful crystal pieces come to life.

When did Waterford Crystal stop being made in Ireland?

The factory ceased production in 1851. George Gatchell relocated to England where he lived until his death 30 years later.

How can you tell if Waterford is made in Ireland?

The first way to tell an authentic piece of Waterford is to look for the Waterford acid mark. Using a magnifying glass, or holding the crystal up to the light, search for the stamp. It will most likely appear on the stem's base, but can also be found in the grooves as well.

Did Waterford go out of business?

The Waterford Crystal went into receivership in 2009 and the plant closed with the loss of 600 skilled jobs.

Why is Waterford called Waterford?

The name 'Waterford' comes from Old Norse Veðrafjǫrðr 'ram (wether) fjord'. The Irish name is Port Láirge, meaning "Lárag's port". Viking raiders first established a settlement near Waterford in 853. It and all the other longphorts were vacated in 902, the Vikings having been driven out by the native Irish.

When did the Vikings leave Waterford?

“Although Waterford was founded in 914, the Vikings had begun raiding in Ireland towards the end of the 8th century and there is evidence from the Irish annals of Vikings establishing permanent settlements called Longphoirts in the 9th century,” said Mr Eogan.

When did Vikings arrive in Waterford?

The Viking town of Waterford appears to have been founded around 914AD when it is recorded in the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland that 'a great fleet of Norwegians landed at Port Lairge and they plundered northern Osraige and brought spoils and many cows and livestock to their ships'.

What's the oldest city in Ireland?

Waterford, Ireland's oldest city is believed to have been established by the Viking Ragnall (the grandson of Ivar the Boneless) in 914 AD.

Is Waterford Crystal still valuable?

Waterford Crystal pieces are valuable because they contain very intricate design elements, and the process to create them is both complex and labor intensive. The larger the piece, the more detail it includes, and the more expensive it is purchase.

Is Waterford made in China?

WATERFORD Wedgwood, the Irish china and crystal maker, joined the exodus from British manufacturing yesterday by outsourcing a raft of its production to China, at the cost of more than 1,000 jobs. Wedgwood-branded products will continue to be made in the UK. ...

When was crystal first made?

Early historical notes. Probably the first historical references to the use of crystals come from the Ancient Sumerians (4th millennium BC), who included crystals in magic formulas. Crystals were (and are) also used for healing in traditional Chinese Medicine, which dates back to at least 5000 years.

When did the Waterford factory close?

The Waterford Glassworks

Their Waterford company closed in June 1851, with the loss of 53-100 jobs.

Is it safe to drink out of Waterford Crystal?

When lead crystal beverage containers are used in an ordinary way, they do not pose a health risk! ... Therefore, food or beverage consumed from crystal glassware are completely safe! You can safely use your crystal stemware and barware to serve wine, water and other beverage.

Does all Waterford Crystal have a mark?

Since 1950, each piece of Waterford crystal has been stamped with the company logo. Resembling a stencil pattern, the Waterford name is slightly opaque. On a wine glass, it's found on the underside of the base. If the piece is older, a magnifying glass may be necessary to find the stamp due to wear.

What is the most popular Waterford pattern?

Waterford's most popular cut-crystal pattern, Lismore, was created by the company's designer Miroslav Havel in 1952. It was inspired by the spectacular Lismore Castle in Waterford County, Ireland, a magnificently turreted structure with intricate leaded windows.

Why is Marquis by Waterford less expensive?

Manufacturing Techniques

Waterford crystal's history is based on its adherence to extremely high production standards. ... Less-expensive lines of Waterford, such as the Marquis Collection, while mouth-blown and hand-cut, reveal with a touch of the edges a less precise cut than on a traditional Waterford crystal piece.

Is there lead in Waterford Crystal?

Waterford is very upfront with its crystalware's lead content, containing over 33% of lead oxide, higher than the standard 24% for the full lead crystal. Given this fact, Waterford or any crystal decanters, for that matter, are not safe to use.

Is it safe to touch lead crystal?

Lead can cause nerve damage, mental disorders and heart and kidney problems if regularly ingested in significant amounts. ... Close to one-third of any true crystal is lead, which gives it brilliance and weight. There are no specific official guidelines for safety in such glassware.

What makes Waterford crystal so special?

The old sod: Waterford crystal, which includes high-end goblets, tumblers, vases, bowls and other accessories, is made from a combination of ultra-white silica, potash and other minerals. Its high lead content--33-1/3 percent--gives it the clarity and brilliance for which it is known.

Can Waterford Crystal go in dishwasher?

Waterford Crystal does not recommend cleaning crystal using a dishwasher as the extreme heat and abrasive cleaners may mark the surface of the crystal. Jostling in a dishwasher could also cause chipping or cracking.