Vernacular Buildings and the Development of the Later Medieval Domestic Plan in England

Abstract

The later medieval domestic plan, comprising services, cross-entry, hall and sometimes chamber, can be identified in vernacular buildings in the 12th century. The plan did not emerge from the longhouse, as has been suggested. Instead, the longhouse is identified as regional variant of the later medieval domestic plan. The introduction of the plan was also not directly linked to developments in building structure, since it is found in houses which did not use post-truss or cruck construction. Three types of 12th-century building are identified which show how the domestic plan was used at an early stage. By the early or mid- 13th century excavated evidence and standing buildings show that the plan was becoming widely adopted and that the divisions of space were articulated by the main structural posts.

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