Very Low Window

This was at a home built in the early 1900's in Cranford, New Jersey.  Most of the windows were original "wood clad" with storms.  They were maintained regularly with a quality paint, which helps protect the wood frames from water and moisture.  The window in the photo was the only one that was replaced.  Can you figure out why?  (due to rot).  A "window well" was recommended which would bring it's arrangement up to today's building standards. copyrighted@2009