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Details of Tudor houses

Engraving: from 'Architectural Remains of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I', C.J. Richardson (1840)
Source: RIBA British Architectural Library

Elizabethan architecture indulged in geometrical ornament. However, it is often quite difficult to appreciate this. Houses like Burghley and Hardwick, or the Triangular Lodge, Rushton, have masses of fine decoration at roof level, creating spiky profiles. Rarely do we have the opportunity to inspect this: unlike Elizabethan courtiers, we don’t promenade on the roofs.

Thankfully, later architectural studies help us get close up to these distant delights. This engraving, produced by Richardson, responded to the demand in the 1830s and 1840s for all things Elizabethan. Found within this crowded drawing are elevations, plans and sections so that these varied elements can be identified, and reproduced.

Burghley’s lavish stonework features extensively. Classical details, like columns, pediments and obelisks mix busily with more basic geometry, much looking like the product of folded paper cut childishly into shapes. And, without binoculars, we can spot odd details, like the battlemented arches topping the chimneys. Consequently, Richardson’s survey allows us to enjoy fully the Elizabethan rage for patterns, and understand more clearly their patron’s intentions and the extent of their purses.