English Tudor Style

English Tudor style, or Tudor revival, is an architectural style that borrows various aspects of 16th century English architecture while still adhering to more modern ideas of space and function. While the earliest examples of Tudor revival architecture recreated the heavier features of Tudor palaces, later versions were made to resemble country cottages. Characterized by their half-timbered, overhanging second storeys, 16th century English cottages exude a quaint charm that is difficult to reproduce. As a result, the modern reproductions that were introduced in the 19th century by British architects such as Norman Shaw and reached their peak of popularity in the early 20th century are not quite as substantial as their elder counterparts. Among other notable differences, the timber frames of original Tudor houses are structural whereas the half-timbering found on Tudor revival homes is entirely ornamental.