Detailed Definition of Elizabethan or Half Timber Style
The Elizabethan or Half Timber Style is an architectural style that originated in England during the Elizabethan era, roughly spanning the late 16th to early 17th centuries. This style is marked by its distinctive use of timber framing, where visible wooden beams are integrated into the walls, frequently filled with stucco or stone masonry. These buildings are generally two or two-and-a-half stories high and are characterized by the second-story overhanging the first, often supported by decorative brackets or corbels.
The style is less fortress-like than its Tudor predecessor, opting for a more domestic and refined aesthetic. The construction methods are usually labor-intensive, utilizing techniques such as mortise and tenon joints for the timber frames and wattle and daub or brick infill panels.
Key Features
- Overhanging Upper Stories: The second story often projects over the first story, sometimes on all sides.
- Timber Framing: Exposed wooden beams form a significant part of the exterior.
- Stucco or Stone Walls: The spaces between the beams are frequently filled with stucco or stone.
- Gabled Roofs: Steeply pitched gable roofs are common.
- Lead-Glass Windows: Diamond-paned leaded windows enhance the style’s historic charm.
Examples
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, England: A classic example of the Elizabethan Half Timber Style, this house features multiple overhangs and detailed timber work.
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: This is another historic English home showcasing the textural contrast between dark timber and white stucco or infill panels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between Tudor and Elizabethan architectural styles?
Tudor architecture often features more substantial stonework and a more fortified appearance. In contrast, the Elizabethan style incorporates extensive use of half-timbering with stone or stucco infill and is generally less fortress-like.
Why does the upper story overhang in Elizabethan-style houses?
The overhanging upper story (or jettying) was initially designed to maximize space in upper rooms while preserving the footprint on narrow street lots. It also provided some protection to the lower walls from rain.
Are modern homes built in the Elizabethan or Half Timber style?
While less common due to the labor-intensive construction methods, modern interpretations of this style do exist and are primarily found in custom homes or historic districts.
How do I maintain a house built in the Elizabethan or Half Timber style?
Regular maintenance of timber framing, ensuring proper stucco or masonry repair, and window lead replacement are essential. Preservation of historic materials and techniques is also crucial for maintaining the style’s authenticity.
What materials were traditionally used in Elizabethan or Half Timber constructions?
Wooden beams for framing, lime wash or oak for timber, wattle and daub (a composition of woven wooden strips daubed with a mixture of clay and straw), brickwork, and leaded glass for windows are typical traditional materials.
Related Terms
- Tudor Architecture: A predecessor to the Elizabethan style with heavier stonework and gothic elements.
- Wattle and Daub: A building technique using woven wooden strips (wattle) and daubed clay and straw mixture to fill walls.
- Jettying: The architectural feature where the upper floors of a building jut out beyond the lower floors.
- Mortise and Tenon Joints: A classic carpentry technique used in timber framing to join two pieces of wood.
- Gable Roof: A roof with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, common in Elizabethan architecture.
Online Resources
- Building Conservation Directory - A resource for conserving traditional and historic buildings.
- Historic England - Offers extensive information about England’s architectural history and heritage conservation.
- Period Homes Magazine - Features articles on historical architectural styles, including Elizabethan.
References
- Emery, A. (2000). Greater Medieval Houses of England and Wales, 1300-1500: Southern England. Cambridge University Press.
- Newman, P. (2001). The English Heritage Book of Tudor and Elizabethan Houses. English Heritage.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Harris, R. (1995). Discovering Timber-framed Buildings. Shire Publications.
- Salzman, L. F. (1952). Building in England Down to 1540: A Documentary History. Clarendon Press.
- Bragdon, C. (2009). Beautiful Necessity: Decay and Renaissance in the English and American Colonial Village. Kessinger Publishing.
