The Tudor time period brought a myriad of architectural styles and advances in building but is best remembered for the black and white half-timbered ‘post-and-beam’ construction that peppers European landscapes, particularly in England. Here is a look at one such example of a Tudor House: Bramhall Hall.
Bramhall was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, with the oldest parts of the house dating back to the 14th century, and was significantly damaged during William the Conqueror’s Harrying of the North. With such an impressive history it is safe to say this Tudor build is entirely authentic. The foundations are made of stone and the oak timber is joined together with mortice and tenon joints and oak pegs, as any genuine Tudor hall is. Unsurprisingly this is a Grade 1 listed building and is set amongst 70 acres of parklands.
Though the style saw a revival in the 19th century, and continues to be used with ‘mock Tudor’ houses throughout the western world, an authentic Tudor build can be determined by it’s building materials (usually timber framing with wattle and daub filled between the wooden beams and painted white). The whole house is usually built around a central ‘hall’ where the fire pit was situated before being extended over the years.
The interior of this Tudor build is floor-to-ceiling wood panelling throughout, with the area surrounding the central hall displaying the timber framing and white-painted wattle and daub. The furnishings are authentic to the house with occasional examples of later styles added in the 18th century.
Bramall Hall is located within Stockport, in Greater Manchester and open to the public throughout the year. The whole house and grounds are available to view with the freedom to roam. Find out more about the house and how to plan a visit on the website here.
