The reign of Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603), often referred to as the Elizabethan era, was a time of significant cultural, political, and architectural transformation in England. This period saw a shift towards more domestic architecture and an increased use of brickwork in construction, leading to the development of distinct architectural styles and techniques.
The Elizabethan Era and the Societal Context
It is estimated that the population of England during the reign of Elizabeth I was around four million people. The majority of the population lived in rural areas, engaged in farming, while urban areas saw growth with increasing trade and commerce. The era was known for its exploration, colonisation, and a resurgence in the arts and sciences, providing a backdrop of rapid societal evolution.
Types of Dwelling and Construction Materials
During the Elizabethan era (1558 - 1603), England underwent a significant cultural and architectural transformation, leading to distinct changes in dwelling types and the use of construction materials.
The Elizabethan era saw the creation of a range of building types, from grand castles and manors for the nobility to simpler houses for farmers and city-dwellers. The increased use of bricks was one of the main characteristics of Elizabethan architecture, marking a shift from the heavy stone and timber used in previous eras.
Dwelling Types
The types of dwellings during this period were quite diverse. The social hierarchy of the time, which included the monarch, nobility, gentry, merchants, yeomanry, and peasantry, was reflected in the variety of residences.
At the top end were grand castles and manor houses for the nobility. Manor houses were usually country houses that served as the administrative center of a manor, which was the lowest unit of territorial organization in the feudal system in England. These grand residences often incorporated defences, such as battlements and moats, albeit more for display than actual defence, a legacy of the more troubled times of the past.
In the cities, merchants and wealthier citizens lived in substantial timber-framed houses. The ground floor often had a shop or warehouse, with living accommodation on the upper floors. Meanwhile, the majority of the population, which included yeoman farmers and laborers, lived in simple cottages, typically constructed from local materials, including wattle and daub, thatch, and, increasingly, brick.
Construction Materials
A significant shift in the Elizabethan era was the move towards the use of brickwork in construction. Bricks were not new to England, having been introduced by the Romans, but their use had declined in the Middle Ages when stone and timber were more commonly used.
During the Elizabethan era, brick-making techniques improved and bricks became more affordable. This, along with the aesthetic possibilities offered by brick, such as creating decorative patterns in the brickwork, led to their increased use in both humble cottages and grand manor houses. Moreover, brick buildings were more durable and fire-resistant than timber structures, which added to their appeal.
At the same time, timber continued to be used extensively, particularly in rural areas and for internal structures. Oak was a commonly used wood due to its strength and availability. Wattle and daub, a combination of woven wooden strips covered with a mixture of mud, straw, and manure, was also used, particularly for infilling timber frames and constructing internal walls.
In terms of roofing, thatch remained common for cottages, while tiles or slates were used for wealthier residences. The grandest houses and public buildings might have lead or even copper roofs.
As for the interiors, plaster was used to cover internal walls and ceilings. Wealthier households might have wall hangings or wooden paneling, both for decoration and to reduce drafts.
Notable Buildings and Construction Techniques
Many impressive buildings were erected during the Elizabethan era, including Hardwick Hall and Burghley House. These grand mansions were typically built with brickwork and demonstrated the increased wealth of their owners, the rising gentry class.
Castles Built during the Elizabethan Era
While the era of building large defensive castles had largely passed by the Elizabethan era, several fortified manor houses, often termed prodigy houses, were constructed. These homes were built more for comfort and display than for defence and were often decorated with ornate brickwork and large glass windows, another innovation of the period.
Interesting Facts about Housing and Society
The Elizabethan era saw an increase in the standard of living for many people, leading to improvements in housing. The period is also noted for the introduction of new architectural styles and techniques, such as symmetrical layouts, columned porches, and extensive ornamentation.