Houses and Palaces Over the Centuries

Medieval Cathedrals: Romanesque style

Mar 19, 1001

An example: Winchester Cathedral

The Middle Ages

Mar 19, 1066

An example: Windsor Castle
In this period in Britain were built castles (mostly by the Normans), which were made of a massive stone structure with thick walls and small windows.
In the 14th century large castles became palaces, while smaller ones became fortified manor houses.

Medieval Cathedrals: Gothic style

Mar 19, 1101

An example:Wells Cathedral, Somerset, England
Gothic architecture flourished in England from approximately 1180 to 1520. This style is defined by pointed arches, vaulted roofs, buttresses, large windows, and spires.

Medieval Cathedrals: Early English Gothic Period

Mar 19, 1201

The most significant characteristic development of the Early English period was the pointed arch known as the lancet. Compared with the rounded Romanesque style, the pointed arch of the Early English Gothic is aesthetically more elegant and is more efficient at distributing the weight of stonework, making it possible to span higher and wider gaps using narrower columns. It also allows for much greater variation in proportions.

Medieval Cathedrals: Decorated Gothic Period

Mar 19, 1301

An example:York Minster Cathedral

Medieval Cathedrals: Perpendicular Gothic Period

Mar 19, 1401

An example: Gloucester Cathedral

The Tudor Style

Mar 19, 1485

An example:Hampton Court Palace
In the Tudor Period all arts were under the influence of classical cuture and Italian Renaissance,
Rich poeple's houses were characterized by chimneys (which were tall and thin and often made of brick) and magnificent formal gardens with flower beds and gavel paths.
Also in this period a status symbol were materials like glass and brick which were really expensive.

The Stuarts and the English Renaissance

Mar 19, 1603

An example : Queens House (Greenwhich)
This period was influenced by Roman classical architecture, which changed the British Style. The most important architect in this period was Inigo Jones, who introduced this Italian influence,which was revived many years later by the Palladian movement.

The Georgian Style

Mar 19, 1714

An example: Buckingham Palace
The Georgian period was named after the four British kings called George and it was highly influnced by classical architecture and design, particulary by the work of an italian architect, Andrea Palladio.
Then in the Regency period the classical style was dominant in many type of buildings. The most known architect in these times was John Nash , who redesigned Buckingham Palace.

The Victorian Age

Mar 19, 1837

An example: Westminster Palace
Under the Queen Victoria Britain had a big change in style. The Gothic style replaced the Greek and Roman models.
Not just styles changed but also the use of materials, infact Victorian houses were made of reddish brick walls in contrast with white windows cornices.
And those are the rich people's houses. Poor people lived in small back-to-back terraced houses, while middle classes lived in superior terraces or semi-detached houses.