The reign of the Tudors in England was a time of great change that changed not only life in England but all around the world. This was a time that saw changes in religion, as King Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic church after being refused an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon by the Pope, as well as the beginning of the Royal mail, the UK Stock Exchange, the British Navy and the first colonies from England to start up in America.
Something that we also associate with the Tudor period and are lucky to have much of still intact in England are the buildings. This was a time where new building styles were being created and the materials and techniques being used to build were improving – indeed many of these are as popular today as they were then such as these oak roof trusses https://www.timberpride.co.uk/oak-trusses/
During this time some of the great royal and grand buildings that we have today were built, in their distinctive Tudor style. The most famous of these is probably Hampton Court Palace – Henry VIII’s personal palace and playground, where he entertained and threw magnificent parties and feasts. It was designed by Cardinal Wolsey and was deemed by Henry himself a palace fit for a king. As well as the palace itself, there were large and lavish gardens as well as accommodation for guests that was designed to impress with its magnificence.
The style of Hampton Court Palace quickly caught on and there were design features that were added to buildings all over the country that were inspired by those of this luxury palace.
Large mansions and country houses were another feature of this period, as the monasteries fell into rack and ruin, many of the grounds they were built on were chosen to become manors or country houses, such as Titchfield Abbey. There are many famous country houses that were built during this time, all with the aim of impressing the visitor with their opulence and beauty.
Of course, these sorts of buildings were only really available to the very wealthiest members of society – but this didn’t mean that they were the only people to benefit from new building styles and designs. Although not sprawling country estates the famous Tudor style black and white buildings that we are familiar with now were springing up all over the country in market towns.
Living standards in the country were starting to improve and showed how the country was beginning to grow in status and in confidence as all the new changes came in to boost standards in the country. These new buildings were strong and robust – and many are still of course standing today, showing that they indeed are made of strong stuff!
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