Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Architecture in
England
Jon Agabbao.Earl Baraqiuo. Shi Buenafe. Cy Capacillo. Perry Capuyan. Kath Duran. Tin Ferraris
Renaissance Architecture
The term Renaissance is a French term
meaning Rebirth. Collectively, the Renaissance
is accepted is a time period when classical
culture was reintroduced into Europe after the
Middle Ages. It was a time when increased trade
and culture diffusion shed a light upon the
medieval European society. As a result the
Middle Ages are also referred to as the Dark
Ages. Chronologically the period lasted from the
late 14th century into the early 17th century.
English Renaissance- Influences
Geographical. Through-out the nineteenth century a rapid shrinkage of distance was brought about by railways
and steamships, while electricity, photography, and other processes of reproduction also contributed in some
measure to the gradual reduction of geographical influence.
Geological.This influence has been considered in the Mediaeval period and, as one of the natural influences, it
is continuous, and still gives a special character to the architecture of various districts ; though other elements
have modified its operation. Timber, for instance, gradually fell into disuse for building purposes, partly on account
of its liability to fire, and also because it was no longer so easy to obtain, as the growth of towns and the cultivation
of land for the needs of an increasing population had involved the clearing of forests
Climatic.The influence of climate was operative in the Renaissance as in former periods. When the new style
was introduced from Italy, the dull English climate at once began to adapt it to our northern use. In order to admit
abundant light, large windows still continued, especially in the early period, in striking contrast to those of Italy. A
growing desire for comfort, coinciding also with the more general use of coal as fuel in the reign of Charles I,
brought about the introduction of a fireplace in each room ; while chimneys continued, as in the Tudor period, to be
prominent symmetrical features of the external design, instead of being disguised as in Italy.
Religious.Early in the sixteenth century religious controversy was astir in the land, and the Reformation in
religion coincided in England with the commencement of Renaissance in architecture. Abuses had crept into the
church, and the Popes had failed to deal with them. During this period men's minds were turned rather to Church
reform than to church building. Moreover, the great church-building area of the Middle Ages had left an ample
supply of churches, and not until the latter part of the seventeenth century was there a renewal of church building.
Social.At the time when the Renaissance came to England, not only had new social conditions been created,
but national life was rich in every variety of social, artistic, and literary movement. The Renaissance, with its
recognition of the inherent human right to the enjoyment of life, appealed strongly to a community which had
thrown off ecclesiastical domination and was rapidly developing a free national and domestic life along secular
lines.
Historical.Henry VIII had been firmly established on the English throne, and the security of his position at home
enabled him to interest himself in affairs on the. Continent, and his famous meeting with Francis on the Field of the
Cloth of Gold in A.D. 1520, with all its. resplendent accessories, resulted in attracting foreign artists to his court,
and they largely determined the manner of the adoption of the Renaissance style in England, alike in architecture,
sculpture, and painting.
Examples:
Westminster Banqueting
Queen Anne's house. One of the few
Hall. Photograph taken c.
outstanding buildings in the Renaissance
1920.
style in England is Queen Anne's house,
at Greenwich, on the outskirts of London.
English Renaissance -
Architectural Character
Early Renaissance:
In England the Renaissance was potent force in England during the
16th century. During this period two distinctive styles emerged:
Elizabethan style
blended Medieval and Renaissance styles
characteristic of large noble houses
transition from Medieval to Renaissance
Predominant during Queen Elizabeth's reign from 1558-1603
Jacobean style
blended medieval and renaissance styles
characteristic of formal structures
transition from Elizabethan to Pure Renaissance
Predominant after Queen Elizabeth's reign
Tends to be more unified and consistent
Examples:
Many pupils and followers of Inigo Jones and Wren, some of whose chief buildings
and designs we shall describe, were, like most Renaissance architects of all
countries, men of general culture and many-sided in their artistic activities, and this is
indicated in the short notices which follow.