An English Baroque Architecture primer
English Baroque Architecture is a term used to describe the architecture that existed in England alongside the Baroque architecture that was the prevalent form in continental Europe. Its time period roughly began in 1666 after the Great Fire in London until the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.
While the Baroque movement as a whole was hugely popular and massively influential in Europe, particularly in France during the mid 17th century, it had significantly less cultural impact in England especially during the Protectorate period and early Restoration years.
In fact, in the years between the death of noted English architect Inigo Jones in 1652 and Christopher Wren's trip to Paris in 1665, no English architect of lasting acclaim came into prominence. Subsequently, there was very little interest in the Architectural developments in England during this time and what little developments occurred were largely insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Christopher Wren was largely responsible for the development of the English Baroque style of architecture, which was a bit of a departure from the popular forms of the day, characterized as it was by an exceptional clarity of design and a heavy influence of classical architecture. As mentioned earlier, the English Baroque architectural style can trace its beginnings to the aftermath of the Great Fire of London.
It was soon after this major catastrophe that Wren took on the gargantuan task of rebuilding fifty-three churches that were destroyed in the fire. It soon became apparent that Wren was drawing on a new set of influences in his work and his designs were marked by dynamic structures and multiple changing views, elements that would soon be recognized as trademarks of the English Baroque style.
One of the most magnificent of Wren's work during this period was the St. Paul's Cathedral, which rivalled the domed churches in Italy and France for sheer grandeur and design brilliance. This outstanding architectural feat sought to combine the Palladian influence of Inigo Jones with a contemporary continental flair that combined these two different elements in a visually pleasing and balanced whole.
While later structures also sought to include elements of the Berniniesque style of architecture (as exemplified by the work of Thomas Archer in the construction and design of St. John's at Smith's Square in 1728) these developments were somewhat slightly less influential.
Christopher Wren was not only limited to the design of religious architectural structure as he also undertook the design of various secular buildings. However, it took William Talman of Chatsworth to design the first truly baroque country house in England, which he started in 1687.
Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor made further developments in the English Baroque Architectural style and although the two men were accomplished architects in their own right and certainly capable of producing fully developed architectural design on their own, they both preferred to work together and collaborated on several architectural projects. The most notable of the collaborations between these two men were the Castle Howard (pictured below), which was designed in 1699, and the Blenheim Palace, which was designed in 1705.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 21/07/2008
