8-3Architecture

=What Were Common Forms of Architecture and Interior Decoration in Elizabethan England?=

//Prepared by Emily B.//

Architecture is the most visible expression of Elizabethan art remaining today. Until Elizabeth’s reign, there had been no architects. However, during that time, exterior and interior design became quickly widespread in England. During the Elizabethan Era, the Renaissance style of architecture was most common. According to "First Renaissance style architecture in England” on Elizabethan-Era.org, “the Renaissance style is very symmetrical. The symmetry was displayed in architecture by putting emphasis on a vertical rather than horizontal line.” William Lace states in the book Elizabethan England that “the upper gentry held most of this new architecture mania.” (87). Renaissance upper class houses featured stone and expensive bricks for durability and appearance. There was also a distinctive Elizabethan style in the palaces & homes of the very wealthy. Lace says that “it was not based off the Greeks or Romans, but purely their own.” (88). Before this unique Elizabethan style, the manor was constructed by means of protection, castle-like and forbidding. The distinguishing features of the new Elizabethan manor house were a low, square shape with high windows. “The Englishman’s home no longer had to look like a castle.” G. W. O Woodward states in the book, 16th Century England in regard to the reformation of the manor house. These new ideas became an architectural breakthrough. The architecture of middle class houses was similar to the traditional medieval style. Elizabethan houses were framed with upright, vertical timbers. Diagonal timbers often supported these vertical timbers. We call this style of house the Tudor. The page "Tudor Style” on Elizabethan-Era.org, describes this style, “The Tudor walls were daubed with mortar (a cement mixture) and whitewash (white paint).” Other features of the Tudor house were high chimneys, overhanging first floors, pillared porches, dormer windows (windows that stick out of a roof and have a roof of their own) and thatched roofs (roofs made with plant material like straw). All of these features gave Elizabethan architecture its striking effects. Tudor houses are also common in neighborhoods today! The interior designs of Elizabethan houses also follow the same Renaissance design. One common feature of Elizabethan homes was marble floors. Churches and castles also boasted these wonderful marble floors as well. Another characteristic of the Renaissance period was an interest in astrology. According to Elizabethan-Era.org, “This interest was reflected in the architecture by having large clocks in most households.” Finally, another popular aspect of Elizabethan interior decoration was oak paneling. Oak paneling was common in upper and middle class homes. Fancier establishments would often have Italian-inspired intricate arches and framework made of oak. The Elizabethans took architecture as seriously as they would take art. The architecture of public theaters was also noteworthy. In the book called Shakespeare’s England, author Jo McMurty states, “The theater in Elizabethan England was so popular that specialized theatres had to be built to cope with the large audiences.” (67). This is when the amphitheater (an outdoor theater) was created. Amphitheaters were open to the sky and constructed of oak wood. Fancier amphitheaters had intricate paneling and engravings on the stage or its sides. Before this, plays were being held in grape cellars and old farmhouses, which did not provide a large enough venue than they needed. From new building materials to new styles of houses, architecture was a unique and thriving form of expression during Elizabethan England. If you want a first-hand experience with this famous Elizabethan architecture and interior design, you can still visit places such as Westminster Abbey, which are examples of what architecture was like in Elizabethan times.