Jacobean Architecture

Jacobean architecture is the second phase of Renaissance architecture in England, following the Elizabethan style, and takes its name from the reign of King James VI and I between 1603 and 1625. At the start of James's reign there was little stylistic break from Elizabethan building, but the influence of Northern Mannerism from Flanders and Germany increased, often executed directly by recruited craftsmen rather than drawn from books as in the previous reign. Jacobean houses commonly used symmetrical designs, with a central volume flanked by symmetrical wings producing H- and U-shaped plans, and mullioned windows were common, while interiors were ornamented with French and Flemish influenced strapwork carving behind relatively simple facades. James's death in 1625 brought a decisive shift toward more classical, Italian influenced architecture led by Inigo Jones.