Power and Politics of Architecture in Tudor England

Changes in Tudor Architecture

The architecture of the Tudor period was markedly different from that of previous eras in that the homes were not primarily fortresses. There came about an archetypal Tudor palace, that was perfected by the second Tudor King. Though the palaces may not have looked the same on the outside or the inside, there was a consistent formula that went into the construction. Each of the features that went into the formula contributed to the projection of power, being aspects that portray dominance. “[Tudor Palaces] were built of brick and laid out on a symmetrical courtyard plan. Turreted gatehouses were the dominant architectural feature, octagonal or rectangular towers marked the corners of the courtyards, rectangular windows were divided by mullions and transoms, and battlements topped the ranges around each court.”[1] The desire for privacy extended into this exterior formula; each court provided for more and more of a screen from the public. The Gatehouse was also an important part of the construction, creating a formal separation of the palace and the outside world.

This is there period where leisure and comfort came into consideration when designing and constructing a palace or prodigy house. This plays into the politics of the age because prior to this there was not much accommodation for leisure in homes and the homes were generally small fortresses or barracks. Prodigy homes and palaces would be primarily for housing the Lord, his household, and many retainers and servants. Having to accommodate so many people, did not leave much room for leisure spaces and private spaces. There was no change in the need to accommodate numerous people, but there was a change in what was prioritized and how the rooms were organized. Just as in the royal palaces, the arrangement of prodigy houses became more private and intimate as one went further in. This was for the same reason as the monarchs did it, they wanted to control the flow of access to the lord. The builders started making interior, private rooms as nicely appointed as the great hall and chapel, which had not been done in the fortress like homes. Another major reason the homes moved away from fortress characteristics is simple, there was a relatively long period of domestic peace in England and there was not really a need any more to protect one’s home from siege or invasion.
 
[1] Barras, A Wealth of Buildings, 264

This page has paths: