Workers Educational Association (WEA)
LITTLE WALTHAM BRANCH (reg'd charity 314001)

SPRING COURSE
16th & 17th CENTURY HOUSES IN ESSEX’
tutored by Anne Padfield

This was a 10 week course in January 2006
 in the schoolroom, Lt. Waltham United Reformed Church

A report is given below.

FEES : FULL - £33.00, CONCESSIONS - £23.50

Remember, you may come along to 3 sessions of this course before deciding to join and paying your fees.

To book a place on this course or for more information, please phone Margaret Williams 01245 360042

The Little Waltham Branch of the WEA was pleased to welcome once again our friend Anne Padfield for a course on 16^th and 17^th Century Houses in Essex. A large number of our members attended this course, which as usual was illustrated by numerous slides and handouts.

Anne introduced her subject by detailing the history of the period. This was the period of the Tudor and Stuart Monarchs. Many developments in the design and construction of houses in this age were a direct result of the major historical events of the time. These events included the dissolution of the monasteries 1536 – 1539, the growth of towns, and the discovery of the colonies, which led to an increase of international trade in the reign of Elizabeth I. Another significant event was the Great Fire of London that led to the introduction of early building regulations.

Anne described the structure, layout and construction of mediaeval buildings to 1550 and the developments in post-mediaeval buildings from 1550 – 1700. The materials of construction evolving from timber with wattle and daub, lath and daub, lath and hair plaster decorated with pargetting, weatherboarding and finally the use of brick. She used her extensive knowledge to describe the development of chimneys, windows, fireplaces and the introduction of interior panelling initially in oak and then with European pine. Using many examples of buildings in Essex, Anne explained how it was possible to examine the structure of a building to determine the date of construction, its original structure, later extensions and rebuilding by using the design of windows, chimneys and the construction methods used in the timber frame or brickwork.

Finally, the field visit to Hill Hall in Theydon Mount was a particularly interesting, if cold experience. She explained the history of the building in great detail. The highlight being the opportunity to visit the rooms to view the famous wall paintings. Once again, thank you Anne for another fascinating and rewarding course in Little Waltham.

John Salmon