Becoming Queen in 1837, Victoria began her reign at a time of great change in the country. The populations of towns and cities were rapidly multiplying as the working classes migrated from rural to urban areas in search of work in factories as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Speculative builders took advantage of this trend […]
The first King George inherited the throne in 1714, followed by a further three, establishing what is now known as the Georgian period, which ended in 1830. Characterised by modestly decorated facades and symmetrical elevations, Georgian architecture was inspired by the ancient buildings of Rome, and later of Greece. The elegant townhouse terraces, squares and […]
The Stuarts came to power in 1603 upon the death of the childless Elizabeth I and ruled until 1714. The 17th century was a turbulent time in Britain and included a Civil War, the execution of a king, and the ultimate Restoration of the monarchy. In architectural terms, it was a period of transition, from […]
The Tudor dynasty began in 1485, when Henry VII won the Battle of Bosworth, and lasted until the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603. The three generations of Tudor monarchs had an immense and lasting impact on the country and its architecture. From Ecclesiastical to Domestic Architecture One of the most significant events of […]
Medieval Architecture – Churches and Castles The Medieval period (1066-1485) is significant in history for marking the dawn of a new age in Britain. With William the Conqueror succeeding at the Battle of Hastings, every aspect of the previous Anglo-Saxon kingdom was transformed. With the aim of impressing upon his new subjects the power and […]
The history of British architecture is a fascinating subject and one that is as relevant to contemporary architects as it is to historians. The present is dependent on the past, the knowledge and repertoire of styles we are in possession of today have been accumulated over hundreds of years. In this blog series, we will […]