Houses in the Middle Ages: Materials and Construction Methods

The architecture and construction methods of houses in the Middle Ages varied significantly depending on the region and time period, but they were primarily influenced by the availability of local materials. This period, spanning from the 5th to the 15th century, saw a range of building materials and techniques used in the construction of homes and buildings.

Availability of Local Materials

During the Middle Ages, houses were mainly constructed using whatever materials were locally available. In Northern Europe, where the early medieval domestic buildings often lacked upper floors, builders had to find innovative ways to create multi-story structures.

In this era, there were very few medieval houses that have survived. This scarcity is largely due to the fact that early medieval buildings, particularly in Northern Europe, did not typically include upper floors. Large cities and villas built by the Roman Empire featured multi-story structures, but outside the Empire, people largely lived in simple huts. Even prominent figures like Saxon kings inhabited halls with a single storey.

Evolution of Buildings

The construction methods and materials used evolved over time. For instance, carpenters had to reinvent methods for framing multi-story buildings, which required a significant shift from the single-story structures prevalent in earlier times. Early upper floors featured curved floor joists, which made it challenging to create flat floors. The development of methods to create flat floors took time and involved substantial technological advancements.

Chimneys were another aspect of medieval architecture that changed over time. Initially, fire pits in the center of rooms were common, with smoke escaping through holes in the roof. The presence of smoke-blackened beams and roofing materials indicates that a house was likely built without a chimney. As homes evolved, the introduction of chimneys transformed rooms, making them warm and cozy.

The House from Early Modern Period

My own house, built during the early modern period, is a prime example of the architectural changes that occurred during this time. It was originally a classic six-room hall house, with a brick chimney and an oak frame. The base of the frame rested on limestone, and the infill was made of cob—a mixture of mud, animal hair, and dung. The roof was covered in long straw thatch, a common and durable roofing material. Modern renovations have shown that some of the thatch against the roof trusses dates back to the original construction, indicating the house's historical significance.

During the 18th century, someone added a cellar, also lined with limestone, and a second chimney. The initial belief was that the cellar was not the original structure, and it could not be later than the inserted chimney. This addition transformed the original cold storage area into a warm and private room, while the original parlour became the kitchen.

The house was built with a large fireplace in the hall and parlour to ensure these rooms were warm and cozy. Furthermore, careful craftsmanship was evident in the carved beams within the house, showcasing the economic status of the yeoman who commissioned the construction.

Other Building Materials

While clay tiles were a popular alternative to thatch in regions where straw or sedge was scarce, slate was used where it was naturally occurring. However, due to its weight, slate was not transported far before the advent of steam power. Lead was reserved for roofs of high-status buildings, especially churches. There is no evidence of shingle roofs in this area, though they might have been used in other parts of England or in regions of New England, where forests provided a wealth of wood.

Over time, many thatched roofs were replaced with corrugated iron or tiles. Thatched roofs typically had a steeper slope, which is evident in modern structures where the roof appears unusually steep. This indicates that the house likely originally had a thatched roof.

Conclusion

The architecture and construction methods in the Middle Ages were heavily influenced by the availability of local materials and the technological advancements of each era. These structures, while often overlooked, provide valuable insights into daily life, construction techniques, and the evolution of architectural traditions.

Keywords: Middle Ages houses, building materials, medieval architecture