A beginner's guide to British Period Architecture (Victoria, Edwardian, Georgian and Tudor)
From Notting Hill to Pride & Prejudice and Harry Potter, the British architecture we see on screen is romantic, to say the very least. But do movies give a realistic representation of period design in the UK?
Let’s find out…
What do we mean by 'period design' anyway?
UK architecture is associated with different periods of history, and these periods of history are associated with different monarchs.
Of course, there’s considerable overlap (nothing’s perfect!). Architectural styles don’t start and stop with the exact reign of a king or queen, but these architectural periods help us put a broad chronology on the changing tastes and fashion we see in British design.
What is Tudor architecture?
The Tudor period was that of King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I. It covered the whole of the 16th century (and a few years either side).
Henry VIII famously installed a new state religion in order to divorce his first wife (of six!). So during Tudor times, Britain was cut off from Catholic Europe and its architectural influence.
Key features of Tudor architecture
Brick: This material was a relatively new commodity, and the upper classes chose to show off their wealth and status with huge brick residences and ornate brick chimneys.
Grand entrances: In medieval times, architecture was designed with defense in mind. The Tudors felt more secure, so façades and decorative features were on the up — along with centralized doorways and grand gate houses.
Thatched roofs: For those lower down the social ladder, stone (and later, brick) slowly started to replace wood as the building material of choice. But half-timber homes and thatched (fire-prone) roofs were still commonplace.
Tudor architecture that still exists today...
Hampton Court Palace, in London, is a prime example of Tudor architecture — one you can still tour around today! Tudor sections of the building are typified by a symmetrical plan, classical detailing and the carved hammer-beam roof of the Great Hall.
What is Georgian architecture?
The Georgian period covers the century or so between 1713 and 1830. A total of four King Georges sat on the throne during this era, giving it its name.
During this period, Britain was riding high — expanding its empire and, from the 1770s onwards, becoming the world’s first industrialized country.
Key features of Georgian architecture
Palladianism: Georgian architecture was heavily influenced by the work of two architects: Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones. They harked back to the architectural fashions of ancient Rome and Greece, and believed in strict adherence to the classical rules of symmetry and proportion.
Classical features: Neo-Palladianism (as it became known) was characterized by domes, colonnades and columns reminiscent of classical temples.
Country houses: During the 18th century, land was taken out of common ownership and given over to wealthy landowners. On it, they built grand country houses and created acres of parkland, complete with Neo-Palladian follies, bridges and mausoleums.
Georgian architecture that still exists today...
Chiswick House in West London couldn’t be more Palladian if it tried. The symmetry, the columns… that dome! Lord Burlington, the building’s designer, even placed full length statues of Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones at the foot of each entrance staircase.
What is Regency architecture?
The Regency period officially ran from 1811 to 1820, towards the end of the Georgian era. During this time, the Prince of Wales became temporary king after his father, King George III, fell ill.
The Prince Regent was a great patron of the arts and the Regency period is famed for its elegance, art, literature (the Romantic poets and Jane Austen were all prolific during this time) and, of course, its architecture.
Key features of Regency architecture
Townhouses: The Regency period was one of great urban growth, and townhouses — for the upper middle classes — appeared in towns and cities. These houses had a square, symmetrical shape and were often set over three or four floors. The most impressive townhouses were built along a curved crescent, and still exist today.
Stucco and plaster: Many houses during this time had a painted stucco façade. Inside, plaster was used to create ceiling moldings that, while still ornate, were considered restrained compared to past interior fashions!
Airy interiors: Regency-style rooms had high ceilings and were painted in pastels to create an airy, elegant feel (think Bridgerton, if you’ve caught it on Netflix!). Tall, thin windows helped too and there was often a fan-light window above the front door.
Regency architecture that still exists today...
An example from outside the UK capital, Lansdowne Crescent in Royal Leamington Spa is a well-maintained example of Regency architecture at its finest! There’s something so pleasingly chic about the contrasting white and black, plus the pop of flowers! You can totally see a romcom being filmed here, right?
What is Victorian architecture?
Queen Victoria came to the throne aged just 18 and ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901. During this time, the country grew in power and wealth. It was an era of global influence, political stability and increased industrialization.
Mass production meant building materials were more readily available. Newly built railways transported materials around the country, and the window tax (yes really, look it up!) was repealed so the lower classes stopped bricking theirs up.
Key features of Victorian architecture
Gothic Revival: The Victorians looked back to medieval Gothic architecture for inspiration. Buildings became more asymmetrical and ornate, windows and arches were pointed, roofs were steeply pitched.
Decorative finishes: Ornate design and decoration was a way for the growing middle class to show off their wealth. Patterned brick façades, stained glass windows and geometric patterned tiles for hallways all caught on.
Workers’ terraces: As always, not everyone had it so good. During this period of industrialization, tiny terraced houses were built for factory workers. These homes didn’t have a garden or proper sanitation and usually had just two downstairs, and two upstairs, rooms.
Victorian architecture that still exists today...
Those lucky enough to own Victorian properties in the UK pour a lot of love (and money) into restoring their original beauty — and who could blame them? Stained glass is one of the best ways to spot a Victorian property while traveling the UK, but there are some incredible examples of large-scale Victorian buildings still open to visit too, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow, Scotland.
What is Edwardian architecture?
King Edward VII’s reign was short, only lasting from 1901 to 1910. From the start of his reign until the start of the First World War, there was a housing boom, with new suburbs established around towns and cities.
Key features of Edwardian architecture
Arts and Crafts: The Arts and Crafts movement was a (gentle) rebellion against mass production and the devaluing of traditional crafts experienced during the Victorian era. As a result, Mock Tudor, half-timbered homes were popular, and Edwardian houses also often featured elaborately carved and painted porches, verandas and balconies.
A feeling of space and simplicity: Making use of space in the suburbs, Edwardian homes were big and airy. Bay windows brought more light into rooms and French windows opened out into gardens. Décor was simplified too, with the clutter and heavy pattern of Victorian times replaced with a much cleaner aesthetic.
Neo-Baroque: This sense of simplicity didn’t extend to public buildings and monuments during the Edwardian period. Neo-Baroque was another nostalgic and highly decorative take on classic architecture.
Edwardian architecture that still exists today...
The Mock Tudor aesthetic has to be the most interesting element of Edwardian architecture in the UK — it was such a departure from other popular trends! Dark wooden beams were latticed across new buildings to make them appear much older. Like scruffing up your brand new Dr. Martens, to make them look vintage!
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