The peace in the country in Tudor times is shown by the more
comfortable, less protected homes of rich people. A new class
of merchants and yeoman farmers wanted new houses to show off
their wealth and improving position in life. These homes were
often built of wood (see Tudors - Homes for the not so rich).
Blakesley Hall in Birmingham was one such home. A large porch
leads into the traditional Hall with buttery, pantry and still
room to one side. The kitchen was originally separate - there
was always a fear of fire with a wooden building! (A brick
built kitchen was added at the back later.)
The master's private rooms included both a Great Parlour
and a Small Parlour as well as bedrooms. A sort of Long Gallery
was created on the first floor. Everyone who could afford it
aspired to a Long Gallery in the late sixteenth century! Fashion
in house design had arrived!
Diamond panes of glass, held in with lead strips, were now
more usual in the windows.
can you tell this is a rich man's timber framed home?
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