The Tudor & Jacobean Country House: A Building History

by Malcolm Airs

Traces the replacement of the private castle by the country house as the seat of power and center of hospitality for the English elite of the Tudor age, a social change which had irrevocably changed the landscape of the English countryside by the time of the Civil War. Although the architecture provides a background for this book, the principal concern is with the patrons, craftsmen, laborers, and administrators whose aspirations and needs created this change. Using the accounts of the builders of the houses, the author examines the motives of the patrons and surveyors; the selection of sites; the problems that were involved in organizing and financing the projects; and the working lives of the craftsmen and laborers, including wage rates and living conditions. Distributed by Books International. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Genres: History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[K. Morral · Rating 4 out of 5]

I freely admit that I struggle to read non fiction books cover to cover, and this was no different. I persisted as it was research for a trilogy I'm writing - though not as useful as I had hoped, although it has inspired other story ideas! - and as an Architectural Assistant with an interest in conservation/ renovation projects of this era this piqued my curiosity.

The relationship between the house owner - called the builder - and the workmen are explored, alongside the process of obtaining materials, special skill-sets and the development of the country houses (stately homes). It is a fascinating investigation into social history and the relationship it has with the built environment. One could not exist without the other.

It is quite an academic book, and each chapter could easily be considered an essay in their own right, the referencing system is one I'm familiar with through my own studies, as is the critique of other researchers in the topic.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

As England changed from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance buildings of the upper class changed from essentially fortifications to more friendly housing. This book provides examples of the change. While the illustrations are in 'gray tones' (i.e. black and white) there are many which makes for easier reading. Divided into chapters organized in four parts (the fifth is a conclusion) this work covers all aspects of building a country house. The builders, the building process, the materials used, and the workmen each have their own part. This was a period that saw the development of architecture as its own field. For historians (and historical fiction writers) it provides interesting background material.