How has the evolution of housing styles shaped our understanding of history and societal shifts? From the humble dwellings of indigenous peoples to the grand Georgian terraces of London, the architecture of homes provides a tangible narrative of human progress, cultural exchange, and economic fluctuations.
The 17th century, a period of immense transformation across the globe, witnessed a fascinating interplay of architectural influences and societal developments. In North America, the colonial era brought forth a diverse range of housing styles, reflecting the origins and adaptations of its settlers. Stone ender housing, prevalent during this time, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early builders. These structures, with their distinctive feature of a large stone chimney wall, offered both warmth and resilience in the face of harsh weather. Simultaneously, building styles in the 13 colonies absorbed techniques and aesthetics from England, alongside traditions carried by settlers from other corners of Europe, fostering a rich architectural tapestry.
The emergence of domestic architecture in the 17th century marked a crucial period, with classical features seen, for example, in Ireland's Beaulieu House. Vernacular buildings, the ordinary structures of daily life, were defined less by specific design characteristics and more by the materials used: timber, stone, cob, earth, mud, or brick. Ceilings, upper stories, and chimneys became common additions during this period, altering the concept of the home as a space. Throughout the 17th century, houses in London were vulnerable to fires. The Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed over 14,000 homes, prompted rebuilding acts that specified building construction.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Context | 17th Century Housing |
| Key Architectural Styles | Stone ender, Dutch colonial (revived later), Saltbox, Cape Cod, Georgian Terraced, Churrigueresque (Spanish influence, later in the century) |
| Materials and Features | Timber, stone, cob, earth, mud, brick; Large stone chimneys, ceilings, upper stories |
| Geographic Locations | North America (13 Colonies, Chesapeake Colonies), England, Wales, Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Paris, Spain, Ireland) |
| Social and Economic Factors | Population growth in Chesapeake Colonies, impact of the plague on housing prices, worker housing in metal trades, housing issues in the 1950s, social class and housing types |
| Cultural Influences | English building techniques, European traditions, Spanish Baroque (Churrigueresque) |
| Notable Events | The Great Fire of London (1666), rebuilding acts, ending of the Tudor dynasty and rise of the Stuarts |
| Examples of housing | Townhouses, terraced houses, vernacular buildings, houses of ordinary people, the inuit lived in igloos, the native americans lived in wigwams and tipis, georgian terraces |
| Link to authentic website | Britannica |
The architectural landscape was not uniform; it was significantly shaped by socioeconomic divisions. There was a style of terraced housing for everyone: from grand aristocratic compositions intended to mimic country houses to modest workers housing. The georgian terrace is often regarded as one of englands greatest contributions to the urban form. The houses of ordinary people in the eighteenth century differed little in basic plan from housing in the seventeenth century.
As the 17th century progressed, the Chesapeake colonies experienced population growth driven by their birthrate. Virginia emerged as the most populous colony in the early 18th century, boasting approximately 59,000 inhabitants. This demographic shift fueled the need for more housing and influenced the development of architectural styles. The rise of the Baroque period in Europe had a significant impact, as well, seen in music, art, and, of course, architecture. The style of churrigueresque began towards the end of the century as a Spanish style of architecture that used stucco to achieve its painstaking detail. While it flourished in Europe until about 1750, its influence extended across the western world, even finding its way to sunny California.
Housing in the 17th century also reflects the diversity of indigenous cultures. The inuit, for instance, lived in igloos, while Native Americans inhabited wigwams and tipis, their dwellings reflecting their way of life and adaptation to the environment. The residential housing was constructed on the parkwood springs site to house workers employed in metal trades. The term "peasant" might conjure images of poverty and squalor, reflecting stark realities in certain segments of society. Chris Catling reports that some peasants lived very well in the middle ages.
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The housing market itself offers valuable insights into the economic fluctuations of the time. A study of the 17th-century housing market finds that prices dipped sharply as the economy faltered during plague seasons, highlighting the vulnerability of the market. The emergence of rowhouse architecture in the 16th century in Europe, particularly in countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium, later spread to other locations. Rowhouses gained popularity in 17th-century Paris, with cohesive buildings of brick lining the historic areas. Dutch colonial housing was one of the prominent colonial elements which americans revived between 1920 and 1925.
The analysis of housing trends in the 17th century necessitates considering both the characteristics of the people who occupied the homes and the nature of the housing itself. Society's official surveys and historians' research typically emphasize either the characteristics of people or the dwellings themselves, offering a comprehensive perspective. From the 17th-century postmedieval English homes to the "McMansions" of the 90s, the study of North American homes from the past 400 years provides a valuable overview of architectural and societal trends. The housing issues that began during the economic decline in 1950 show that there is a usual divide in housing matters.
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