Chronology of Architectural Styles

Modernism 1910 – Present

Modernism style is based on new and innovative technologies for construction, particularly the use of glass, steel and reinforced concrete; and the idea that form should follow function – an embrace of minimalism and a rejection of ornament. Styles are, however, mixed in this period – including and neo-Georgian. Smith & Garratt examples – Woodcote Park; Mordington House; Davison Cottage Hospital.

Edwardian 1901 - 1910

The Edwardian style arose during the brief but prolific reign of King Edward VII, from 1901 to 1910. Smith & Garratt examples – Kinloch Castle; Charles Rennie Mackintosh Oak Room; The Spanish City; Manderston House.

Victorian 1837 – 1901

Victorian buildings were built between 1837 and 1901, a period of great innovation while Queen Victoria was on the throne. Smith & Garratt examples – Old Manse, Ladykirk; Parish Church of Coldingham & St Abbs (rebuilt); St Columba’s, Spittal; Dundas Castle (except the Auld Keep).

Regency 1812 – 1837

The Regency style strictly lasted only from 1811 to 1820, but the term is applied to architecture outside those dates, especially as the reign of William IV (1830 to 1837) has not acquired its own stylistic descriptor. Smith & Garratt example – Merkinch Hall, Inverness; 37 Tanner Row, York.

Georgian 1714 – 1812

The Georgian period is split early and late. The formal early Georgian style arose from 1714 to 1750 and witnessed the revival of Palladianism. The late Georgian period saw fashion in homes becoming more fluid and flexible, including experimentation with the Gothic revival within larger, statelier homes. Smith & Garratt examples – Bughtrig; Marchmont House; Benedict House; Quay Walls, Berwick; Callaly Castle; Kippenross Old Stables.

Queen Anne 1702 – 1714

The Queen Anne style refers to the English architectural style during the reign of Queen Anne. Smith & Garratt example – Hall Farm, Laxton; Polwarth Kirk; Bowden Old Hall.

William & Mary 1689 – 1702

‘William & Mary style’ is frequently attributed to furniture design but elements can be found in the architecture of the time. The style has a heavily Dutch influence. After Mary’s death in 1694 the period continued until Willam’s death in 1702. Smith & Garratt example – Leaston House; Milbank House, Newcastle.

Restoration 1660 - 1689

The Restoration style marks the return of the monarchy and the end of the puritan severity of the Cromwellian period. The Restoration period is known for its great opulence in architecture. Smith & Garratt example – Oglethorpe House; Hodgkinson Farmhouse.

Cromwellian 1649 – 1660

The Cromwellian period was not prolific; in particular, few churches were built, and existing churches were stripped of ornament. An exception is the Church of Holy Trinity, Berwick-upon- Tweed. It has none of the bells, chancel, alter, pulpit, font or stained glass that were the norm for churches outside this period.

Caroline 1625 – 1649

The Caroline style arose during the reign of Charles I; Carolus is Latin for Charles.

Jacobean 1603 - 1625

The Jacobean period is named after King James I of / IV of Scotland. The Union of the Crowns is also referred to as the Second Renaissance period. The Jacobean style added a unified formal application to design and made use of pilasters, columns, arcades and flat roofs with openwork parapets. Smith & Garratt example – Panmure House.

Elizabethan 1558 – 1603

The Elizabethan style refers to buildings constructed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The style was influenced by pattern books brought back from the continent. The large, ostentatious houses built by courtiers became known as prodigy houses.

Tudor 1485 – 1558

The Tudor style is the final development of in England during the Tudor period (1485–1603) and even beyond, including the tentative introduction of to England. A defining feature of this period is the low Tudor arch and oriel windows. Smith & Garratt example – Bessie Surtees House, Newcastle.

Medieval 1154 – 1485

The Medieval style is an amalgamation of pre-Romanesque, Romanesque and gothic styles. Smith & Garratt examples – Auld Keep, Dundas; Polwarth Kirk (crypt).

Norman 1066 – 1154

The Norman style categorises styles of Romanesque developed by the Normans in England. They introduced large numbers of castles, keeps, monasteries, abbeys, churches and cathedrals. Smith & Garratt example – Coldingham Priory.