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In 1696 William III introduced a property tax based on how many windows you could have in your house. (thelemmy.club)
submitted 2 weeks ago by Grumpus_Maximus to c/historymemes@piefed.social
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[-] lath@lemmy.world 26 points 2 weeks ago

Glass at the time was expensive. So having multiple windows made of glass meant showing off your wealth aka asking to be robbed.

Probably.

[-] MajorMajormajormajor@lemmy.ca 12 points 2 weeks ago

It's true actually, my great great grandfather was Vilhelm Von Glussbreaka, the notorious window bandit. Real rob from the rich and give to the rich type of guy.

[-] lath@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

A role model to be envied, I'm sure.

[-] CapuccinoCoretto@lemmy.world 8 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

meant showing off your wealth aka asking to be robbed.

That's exactly how I choose my targets. You may say burglary is illegal, but I consider the presence of windows to be consent. We'll eventually find out how this defense holds up in court. I'm saving this post for that day.

Probably.

[-] imdoneinteracting@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 weeks ago

If a house is out on the street at night wearing windows it's asking for it

[-] lath@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

It will absolutely hold in court, if you share the spoils beforehand.

[-] CapuccinoCoretto@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Wouldn't the judges get annoyed by me just giving them some of their stuff back? (I'm keeping the best pieces. Otherwise what's the point?) I'm ok with the cost of doing business and all. Even crooks have to pay their taxes.

  • now I'm just thinking out loud here for a sec. Wouldn't it just be easier to leave sticky notes on the things I was going to steal, but chose not to. That way they would be grateful and see I payed my taxes up front. Thoughts?
[-] lath@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

No, no. You misunderstood. You steal from one judge and bribe their rival, then keep it going by playing them against each other. Basic economics, my friend...

[-] CapuccinoCoretto@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

So much to learn. So few judges...

[-] kryptonianCodeMonkey@lemmy.world 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

More glass = resident is wealthier

More glass = easier to monitor residents' presence/movements, find valuables, and plan route

More glass = less physical security

More glass was a really bad idea, guys.

this post was submitted on 07 May 2026
202 points (100.0% liked)

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