Elizabethan+Architecture+&+Housing

__Elizabethan Architecture/Housing__

**//Andrew Weaver//**

Sir Edward Coke once said, “A man’s house is his castle.” (Singman 73). During the Elizabethan Era, the house was the focus of all aspects of life. The people were born in their homes, died in their homes, and often died there too (Singman 73).

Houses were not built with nails like they are today. Most were built using mortice & tenon joints (Singman73). these joints allowed the house to have a stronger, firm structure.

Most houses used “wattle & daub.’ Wattle is upright wooden stakes attached into horizontal timbers of the house. Daub is a combination of clay and dung with straw or horsehair added to it. The straw or horsehair was added to it for strength (Singman 74).

Like today, there was a difference between the upper and lower class. For those who could afford it, bricks were used (Singman 74). the rich also used stone. Except for in areas where stone was plentiful, then it was a common sight to see stones at every household.

They had big houses for the rich, shaped structured houses for the middle class, and small, but cozy houses for the poor (Characteristics of). These houses normally consisted of one room with a central fireplace (Andrews 9). There were not many windows due to the war, but if there were, they were small and narrow (Characteristics of). The quality of the glass was so poor that it was barely transparent (Andrews 9).

The structures of the houses were made of strong oaks. Sometimes light woods and willows. The roofs were often made of sticks and plants woven together (Characteristics of).



We are use to having carpets and heating in our houses. But during the Elizabethan Era, they didn’t have them. The homes were often dark and damp. Dirt served as the floor, and the ceilings were usually plaster or wood (Andrews 9)

The wealthy would try to paint everything gold to separate themselves from the lower classes (Characteristics of). The middle class used structured houses to honor Elizabeth, while the upper class houses usually consisted of the best, most rare and expensive material used on earth (Characteristics of). Straw pellets served as beds, while chests provided storage spaces, as well as dining tables for the poor (Andrews 9).

The most common roofing was thatch. Thatch is a very thick covering made with straw or reeds. This type of roof was best for keeping the house warm (Singman 74). There were also other options for roofing. Such as clay tiles, slate, or shingles. But those types were expensive and only the rich could afford them (Singman 74)

As you can see, Architecture and Housing was very different during the Elizabethan Era than it is today.

Works Cited Andrews, John F, ed. //Shakespeare’s World & Work//. Vol. 2. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 2001. Print. “Characteristics of Elizabethan Architecture.” //Book Rags//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2010. //Old Elizabethan House//. N.d. //Learn NC//. Web. 9 Apr. 2010. Singman, Jeffrey L. //Daily Life in Elizabethan England//. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood, 1995. Print.