Tudor Architecture *Discover the Distinctive Buildings and Characteristics of Tudor Architecture
The middle ages had just ended and a new Tudor dynasty was in power in England with new ideas and new styles of architecture *Tudor period in England 1485 to 1603.
Since the break with Roman Catholic Church took place early in the Tudor era, notable examples of Tudor architecture were secular buildings and not ecclesiastical structures.
The Tudor style itself underwent significant changes through the reigns of successive Tudor monarchs, with architecture commissioned by Henry VIII, for instance, being notably different compared to the Elizabethan architecture in the late 16th century.
Characteristics of Tudor Architecture
Certain overarching features are unique to Tudor architecture and these define the style. One of the most significant features of Tudor architecture was the extensive use of what later came to be called the “Tudor arch”.
This type of arch was typically four-centered and was typically wider than its height. It came to be extensively employed in both ecclesiastical and secular buildings constructed in the Tudor era.
Tudor Architecture *Socio-Political Influences
Tudor architecture coincided with a time when the use of castles as military fortifications grew obsolete and they were treated more as domestic residences of the rich and the nobility. As a result, castles and other residential structures built for the rich typically included several aesthetic features previously not used in England.
Rich oriel windows, extensive use of half-timber work, and innovative chimney designs were frequently used to adorn Tudor-style buildings.
Tudor Architecture Facts
- Tudor architecture was recognizable by the use of iconic Tudor arch, oriel windows, frequent use of roofs with multiple gables, and brickwork.
- Tudor architecture originated during the reign of the Tudor monarchs.
- Tudor architecture dates from 1485 until 1603 and beyond.
- Tudor architecture was influenced by features of Renaissance architecture from Continental Europe as well as more normal architecture from northern regions of the British Isles.
- Tudor architecture can be seen in a number of places throughout England as well as Scotland.
Brickwork in Tudor Architecture
Another interesting feature of the late Tudor architecture was that it employed brickwork in construction. Before the Tudor era, stones were mostly used by the wealthy while the poorer classes relied on cheaper materials.
During the Tudor era, bricks came to be used initially as a rarity in the structures commissioned by the rich. Over time, the bricks became an inexpensive material and by the end of the Tudor era, all except the very poor were using bricks in building their houses.
The Tudor era also coincided with the rise of a wealthy merchant class in England. This contributed to the evolution of a unique feature of domestic Tudor architecture, namely the famous Tudor houses. These houses typically employed wattle in construction and cemented with a type of daub.
Wood was used for the frame of a domestic building and once the building was completed, it was painted all over so that it ultimately looked like a black-and-white house.
During the Tudor era, Europe was already undergoing Renaissance. This exerted a significant influence on Tudor architecture which incorporated many embellishing aspects of Renaissance architecture. This resulted in the use of elaborately decorated roofs, long galleries, and the lack of a keep in castles.
Top five examples of Tudor architecture:
- King’s College Chapel in Cambridge which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries
- The Hampton Court Palace in Surrey dates back to the early 16th century.
- St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle features Tudor architecture dated to the early 16th century.
- East Barsham Manor in Norfolk dates back to the early 16th century.
- Sutton Place in Surrey dates back to 1525.
Learn More about Tudor Architecture Wikipedia
Famous Tudor Architecture and Buildings in Stratford Upon Avon
See Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford
Great Website for Information on Tudor Buildings and Architecture in Stratford Upon Avon
Learn More about Tudor Building ‘Halls Croft’ at Wikipedia
See Reviews of Tudor World at Trip Advisor
Famous Tudor Buildings and Architecture in London
1. Westminster Abbey
2. Tower of London
3. Hampton Court Palace. Hampton Court Palace
4. Shakespeare’s Globe Theater
5. The Blackfriar
6. St. James’ Palace
7. Lambeth Palace
8. Lincoln’s Inn
9. London Bridge
10. National Portrait Gallery
