Georgian Period 1714-1830
The 18th Century was an age of improvement, a time for new ideas in industrial and agricultural development and growth. The years between 1714, when George I became King and 1830 when George IV died became known as the Georgian Era. British architecture became more sophisticated due to the influence of Classical architecture of ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance, with Andrea Palladio being one of the most admired architects. Inspiration was brought back to Britain by the sons of major families who had travelled around Europe on a ‘Grand Tour’.
During this period the wealthy invested in large country houses outside of the city with large landscaped gardens. In the city rows of terraces were built to accommodate large numbers of people leaving the countryside to find work in urban areas. Houses of the Georgian Period were often built of local stone or regional materials as the industrial infrastructure had not yet been created to facilitate the movement of materials long distances. The growth of a merchant class, in the latter part of the era, with increased wealth resulted in more houses built of the new material brick – as local brickworks were established.
The Georgian Period was also a time of upheaval with revolutions with the goal of independence being held in France, America and Ireland. The calm, regular and ordered facades and internal decoration of Georgian homes may have developed as a reaction to the chaotic wider world.
If you wish to visit any of the houses featured they are open to the public on European Heritage Days.
