Land Use
London's landscape is a series of mountainous lands and plains. The Thames River is the coastline that was a vital boundary where most towns meticulously situated themselves near the seaports to engage in trade and commerce. [2] Transportation At the start of the 1550’s, carriages were introduced to London; however, horseback and wagons were the primary means of transportation. Since there was no national road system, “The Strand Fleet Street” “Cheapside” and “Southwark” were the main pathways that intersected the city. These main streets were primarily cobblestone and were in dire need of repair which local communities occasionally attended to. [2] The 53 shires of London were reliant on local gentry to maintain the roads and provide public lighting on the streets but this was usually addressed by individuals who invested into roads for personal benefit. Nevertheless, these main streets directed navigation throughout the city and connected the 24 wards, 242 precincts, 111 livered companies whose functions were essential in governing the city. [1] Despite the lack of planned roadway systems these streets later became the foundational paths that would guide the creation of highway systems and networked bus routes that are vital to modern London’s transportational services. |
Fortification
The City Wall that fortified the west, north, and east side of London was an exclusive effort to keep beggars, plague suspects, and toll invaders from entering the city. Protection from outsiders was no longer the main function for putting up walls. Foreigners could only enter London if they went through Newgate, Aldgate, Cripplegate, Moorgate, Bishopsgate, Aldgate, Postern Gate, or Traitors gate which was the river entrance to the tower. [3] Land ownership was gaining importance because it could be used for a multitude of purposes. The walls and gated areas were not revamped because their initial function of protection was no longer needed. Instead, 16th century London was becoming densely overcrowded within the walls. However, the Londoners that resided inside the walls did put up gates because many vagabonds perambulated the city so fortified structures remained a common feature in London. The security of individuals private property was essential in secularizing homes in the city. [2] |
7. Digital remake of England during the Elizabethan Era
Housing; Tudor Houses
Housing in London was taking on new forms that exercised various classical elements while trying to adjust to the change in construction materials. Housing was structured in a uniform and vertical fashion to accommodate as many people as possible. The domestic building was no longer constructed out of stone but was replaced with brick or had a timber-frame with chalk filling. [4] There was a change in the width of housing from three feet wide to two feet wide to create more compact buildings. It was during this era that Tudor houses were introduced to accommodate the growing population. These homes were essential in reducing congestion in the city because of their unique design. They were two story buildings with an overhang, known as a jetty, that would maximize street space in the highly dense areas. [1] These homes were quick modifications that were not meant to be lasting residential areas because they lacked the proper materials to make them permanent structures. [1] However, these Tudor style homes can still be seen in the suburban areas of London because elaborate renditions of Tudor houses were mimicked by the gentry. These homes were the first to incorporate glass lattice patterns on windows which was a new luxury in London.
Housing in London was taking on new forms that exercised various classical elements while trying to adjust to the change in construction materials. Housing was structured in a uniform and vertical fashion to accommodate as many people as possible. The domestic building was no longer constructed out of stone but was replaced with brick or had a timber-frame with chalk filling. [4] There was a change in the width of housing from three feet wide to two feet wide to create more compact buildings. It was during this era that Tudor houses were introduced to accommodate the growing population. These homes were essential in reducing congestion in the city because of their unique design. They were two story buildings with an overhang, known as a jetty, that would maximize street space in the highly dense areas. [1] These homes were quick modifications that were not meant to be lasting residential areas because they lacked the proper materials to make them permanent structures. [1] However, these Tudor style homes can still be seen in the suburban areas of London because elaborate renditions of Tudor houses were mimicked by the gentry. These homes were the first to incorporate glass lattice patterns on windows which was a new luxury in London.
Prodigy Houses
Upperclassmen like the gentry had a series of country homes on the outskirts of London. These prodigy houses were crafted to boast the wealth and political influence of those who had a position in the royal service. These homes were highly influenced by classical elements from the Renaissance that incorporated columns, arches, and verticality [6] The homes were monumental in scale and usually took on the shape of the either the letter H or E. [2] They were built to accommodate a variety of guests, which were generally the royal officials and the elite class. They were situated on the suburban areas of London because they had wide gardens and they were structured with two wings that engrossed a large space. Investing in the extravagance of having glass windows and extensive structures would demonstrate hierarchical status which was common in Elizabethan London.
Upperclassmen like the gentry had a series of country homes on the outskirts of London. These prodigy houses were crafted to boast the wealth and political influence of those who had a position in the royal service. These homes were highly influenced by classical elements from the Renaissance that incorporated columns, arches, and verticality [6] The homes were monumental in scale and usually took on the shape of the either the letter H or E. [2] They were built to accommodate a variety of guests, which were generally the royal officials and the elite class. They were situated on the suburban areas of London because they had wide gardens and they were structured with two wings that engrossed a large space. Investing in the extravagance of having glass windows and extensive structures would demonstrate hierarchical status which was common in Elizabethan London.
Humanism & Classicism
An importance in education sparked the start of the Classical movement in London. This allowed architects, designers, artists, and craftsmen to gain a deeper appreciation for classical literature and artistic elements. Some classical architectural details were implemented into built form like embodying ideals of civic virtue, pythagorean proportional systems, and harmonizing built form with symmetry. [1] However, the classical movement was primarily embraced by the royal family and gentry who had the resources to delve into literature and art. Their applications of elements were primarily a cultural statement for society; however many architectural structures were influenced by Vitruvius symmetrical designs and manifestations of classical elements. [2] The prestige of the monarchy also segued away from religious ornamentation and many architects and designers implemented humanist ideals. Religious statues and paintings were no longer prominent features in the built form of public structures; instead, glorified individualistic forms of art that focused on simplicity and nationalistic representation of the monarchy gained popularity. [3]This introduced portraits of the monarchs into the homes of many families. The use of arches, undercrofts and basements were evident in many structures.
An importance in education sparked the start of the Classical movement in London. This allowed architects, designers, artists, and craftsmen to gain a deeper appreciation for classical literature and artistic elements. Some classical architectural details were implemented into built form like embodying ideals of civic virtue, pythagorean proportional systems, and harmonizing built form with symmetry. [1] However, the classical movement was primarily embraced by the royal family and gentry who had the resources to delve into literature and art. Their applications of elements were primarily a cultural statement for society; however many architectural structures were influenced by Vitruvius symmetrical designs and manifestations of classical elements. [2] The prestige of the monarchy also segued away from religious ornamentation and many architects and designers implemented humanist ideals. Religious statues and paintings were no longer prominent features in the built form of public structures; instead, glorified individualistic forms of art that focused on simplicity and nationalistic representation of the monarchy gained popularity. [3]This introduced portraits of the monarchs into the homes of many families. The use of arches, undercrofts and basements were evident in many structures.
Sustainability
As density increased in London, the overcrowdedness of people made them vulnerable to contagious diseases like the bubonic, septicemic, and the deadly pneumonic plague. [1] These outbreaks were extremely common during this time, due to unsanitary conditions that resulted from living in a high density. Although the majority of the population was in the suburbs, availability of open space was difficult to incorporate within the city because there were desperate attempts to accommodate the growing population into crowded tenements. These tight living spaces lacked the open space needed to keep rats from entering households. London’s housing also didn't have a sophisticated enough sewage system so cesspits were common in some buildings. The disposal of waste was unmanaged and most individuals would dispose of their waste by tossing it out of their windows. []This resulted in a large sanitation problem in the city. [4] Additionally, granary markets would attract rats and other rodents that would load on with the shipments and spread the disease even further. Outbreaks like the Great Plague in 1665 killed thousands of people and resulted in the enforcement of new policies. Some of these included regulating specific street cleaning days to keep waste management under control and enforcing the quarantine of infected households. Inability to control the the plague also changed the way that people viewed the role of religion and people attempted to improve their conditions by improving urban sanitation.
As density increased in London, the overcrowdedness of people made them vulnerable to contagious diseases like the bubonic, septicemic, and the deadly pneumonic plague. [1] These outbreaks were extremely common during this time, due to unsanitary conditions that resulted from living in a high density. Although the majority of the population was in the suburbs, availability of open space was difficult to incorporate within the city because there were desperate attempts to accommodate the growing population into crowded tenements. These tight living spaces lacked the open space needed to keep rats from entering households. London’s housing also didn't have a sophisticated enough sewage system so cesspits were common in some buildings. The disposal of waste was unmanaged and most individuals would dispose of their waste by tossing it out of their windows. []This resulted in a large sanitation problem in the city. [4] Additionally, granary markets would attract rats and other rodents that would load on with the shipments and spread the disease even further. Outbreaks like the Great Plague in 1665 killed thousands of people and resulted in the enforcement of new policies. Some of these included regulating specific street cleaning days to keep waste management under control and enforcing the quarantine of infected households. Inability to control the the plague also changed the way that people viewed the role of religion and people attempted to improve their conditions by improving urban sanitation.
Education
In the 1570’s the importance of education as a public service was vital in altering London's society as new teaching institutions were being built throughout the city. London’s population had among the most literate individuals in England, where 30% of men and 10% of women could read and write English. [1] Therefore, as the demand for educational services increased among the upper and middle class such educational establishments like petty and grammar schools provided fundamental educational services for young boys and girls. Influential members of the gentry like Sir Thomas Gresham were heedful of the need of a widespread educational system so he established Gresham College in 1575. [2] This college primarily educated the elite class, but Gresham's benefaction to the idea of education provided free lectures at the institution and influenced others to found similar establishments. [2] Most of these schools were established in towns, where the majority of interactive affairs took place. It was also in these towns where countrymen would strive to become apprentices of craftsmen, merchants and businessmen to specialize in a specific craft and learn through experience. As the contemporary focus on education grew it was carried onto the 19th century and most of the institutions built in this era were integrated into the state education system in London.
In the 1570’s the importance of education as a public service was vital in altering London's society as new teaching institutions were being built throughout the city. London’s population had among the most literate individuals in England, where 30% of men and 10% of women could read and write English. [1] Therefore, as the demand for educational services increased among the upper and middle class such educational establishments like petty and grammar schools provided fundamental educational services for young boys and girls. Influential members of the gentry like Sir Thomas Gresham were heedful of the need of a widespread educational system so he established Gresham College in 1575. [2] This college primarily educated the elite class, but Gresham's benefaction to the idea of education provided free lectures at the institution and influenced others to found similar establishments. [2] Most of these schools were established in towns, where the majority of interactive affairs took place. It was also in these towns where countrymen would strive to become apprentices of craftsmen, merchants and businessmen to specialize in a specific craft and learn through experience. As the contemporary focus on education grew it was carried onto the 19th century and most of the institutions built in this era were integrated into the state education system in London.
Transportation
At the start of the 1550’s, carriages were introduced to London; however, horseback and wagons were the primary means of transportation. Since there was no national road system, “The Strand Fleet Street” “Cheapside” and “Southwark” were the main pathways that intersected the city. These main streets were primarily cobblestone and were in dire need of repair which local communities occasionally attended to. [2] The 53 shires of London were reliant on local gentry to maintain the roads and provide public lighting on the streets but this was usually addressed by individuals who invested into roads for personal benefit. Nevertheless, these main streets directed navigation throughout the city and connected the 24 wards, 242 precincts, 111 livered companies whose functions were essential in governing the city. [1] Despite the lack of planned roadway systems these streets later became the foundational paths that would guide the creation of highway systems and networked bus routes that are vital to modern London’s transportational services.
At the start of the 1550’s, carriages were introduced to London; however, horseback and wagons were the primary means of transportation. Since there was no national road system, “The Strand Fleet Street” “Cheapside” and “Southwark” were the main pathways that intersected the city. These main streets were primarily cobblestone and were in dire need of repair which local communities occasionally attended to. [2] The 53 shires of London were reliant on local gentry to maintain the roads and provide public lighting on the streets but this was usually addressed by individuals who invested into roads for personal benefit. Nevertheless, these main streets directed navigation throughout the city and connected the 24 wards, 242 precincts, 111 livered companies whose functions were essential in governing the city. [1] Despite the lack of planned roadway systems these streets later became the foundational paths that would guide the creation of highway systems and networked bus routes that are vital to modern London’s transportational services.
Post Great Fire Policy
The Great Fire of London started on September 2nd, 1666 and burned for three days, destroying 80% of the city of London. St Paul's Cathedral, the Great Conduit, Peter Morice's water pump system, along with multiple churches and thousands of houses were all victims of the Great Fire. This was a very tragic event that not only destroyed the physical parts of the city, but also destroyed their economy the intellectual process that was put into the city up to that point in time. Because London heavily depended upon the trade and with mostly everything burned to the ground, there was no place for business to occur, being their economy to a complete stop, then a plummet. As you could imagine, without any money, it was difficult to start the rebuilding process that was crucial for the rebirth of London as a major city. Although this tragedy occurred, only 6 deaths were recorded and it allowed for London to rebuild itself into a better form. They learned that wood was not building the frame of their structures out of wood will be extremely dangerous, especially if they experience another long, hot summer like they had experienced before this incident, so they mimicked the French and built all their buildings out of stone. The new London also had wider and straighter roads to allow for clear paths to fight the fires, making it easier to access all parts of the city. The spacing between buildings also increased, making it more difficult for fires to jump from building to building. [7] |
11. Image recreated to represent the Great Fire of London
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7.Text Citation
1. Picard, Liza. Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London. Great Britain, London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson , 2003.
2. Palliser, D. M. The Age of Elizabeth: England Under the Later Tudors, 1547–1603. 2d ed. London and New York: Longman, 1992.
3. Wagner, John A. Historical Dictionary of the Elizabethan World: Britain, Ireland, Europe, and America. New York: Checkmark Books, 2002.
4. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19252900625
5. Palliser, D. M. AGE OF ELIZABETH: England under the Later Tudors. United States of America , New York, Longman Inc, 1983.
6. Merritt, J. F. “Puritans, Laudians, and the Phenomenon of Church-Building in Jacobean London.” The Historical Journal, vol. 41, no. 4, 1998, pp. 935–960., www.jstor.org/stable/3020857.
7. “The Great Fire of London.” Historic UK - The History and Heritage Accommodation Guide, www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/The-Great-Fire-of-London/. Accessed 14 Mar. 2017.
Picture Citations
1. Picard, Liza. Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London. Great Britain, London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson , 2003.
2. Wagner, J. A. Historical Dictionary of the Elizabethan World: Britain, Ireland and America. Phoenix, Arizona, Oryx Press , 1999.
3. http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/houses/tudors/jetty.htm
4. http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/houses/tudors/jetty.htm
5. http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/houses/tudors/jetty.htm
6. https://www.flickr.com/photos/redjim73/2303572233
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPY-hr-8-M0
8. https://cusicusi.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/b-1627.jpg
9. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plague_in_London,_1665_Wellcome_M0010582.jpg
10. Picard, Liza. Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London. Great Britain, London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson , 2003.
11.https://www.thedungeons.com/london/images/main-images/2016/fire-of-london.jpg
1. Picard, Liza. Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London. Great Britain, London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson , 2003.
2. Palliser, D. M. The Age of Elizabeth: England Under the Later Tudors, 1547–1603. 2d ed. London and New York: Longman, 1992.
3. Wagner, John A. Historical Dictionary of the Elizabethan World: Britain, Ireland, Europe, and America. New York: Checkmark Books, 2002.
4. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19252900625
5. Palliser, D. M. AGE OF ELIZABETH: England under the Later Tudors. United States of America , New York, Longman Inc, 1983.
6. Merritt, J. F. “Puritans, Laudians, and the Phenomenon of Church-Building in Jacobean London.” The Historical Journal, vol. 41, no. 4, 1998, pp. 935–960., www.jstor.org/stable/3020857.
7. “The Great Fire of London.” Historic UK - The History and Heritage Accommodation Guide, www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/The-Great-Fire-of-London/. Accessed 14 Mar. 2017.
Picture Citations
1. Picard, Liza. Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London. Great Britain, London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson , 2003.
2. Wagner, J. A. Historical Dictionary of the Elizabethan World: Britain, Ireland and America. Phoenix, Arizona, Oryx Press , 1999.
3. http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/houses/tudors/jetty.htm
4. http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/houses/tudors/jetty.htm
5. http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/houses/tudors/jetty.htm
6. https://www.flickr.com/photos/redjim73/2303572233
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPY-hr-8-M0
8. https://cusicusi.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/b-1627.jpg
9. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plague_in_London,_1665_Wellcome_M0010582.jpg
10. Picard, Liza. Elizabeth's London: Everyday Life in Elizabethan London. Great Britain, London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson , 2003.
11.https://www.thedungeons.com/london/images/main-images/2016/fire-of-london.jpg