Victorian Architecture: Characteristics &

Style
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If you've ever seen an episode of 'Full House' or 'Downton Abbey', you have seen examples of a
Victorian house and Victorian architecture. In this lesson, the discussion will focus on the
characteristics and styles of Victorian architecture, particularly in its country of origin - England.

Victorian Architecture
Victorian architecture refers to buildings constructed during the reign of England's Queen
Victoria. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901. She was the longest reigning queen of
England until her great-great granddaughter Elizabeth surpassed her in September of 2015.
Victorian architecture isn't limited to one specific style. Instead, it's a broad term that
describes the many different styles that emerged during Victoria's 63 years as queen. As
there was no standard style, architects and builders created buildings that suited their
patron's wants and wishes. However, the Industrial Revolution prompted societal changes
which influenced the design of Victorian buildings. Additionally, the expansion of the
railroads allowed for prefabricated items such as window glass, tiles, and granite to be more
easily shipped and obtainable.
Several different styles emerged during this period. Some prominent ones were Queen
Anne, Classical, Gothic Revival, Arts and Crafts, Italianate, and Romanesque Revival.
However, Victorian buildings share several identifying characteristics. Generally, most
Victorian architecture can be described as dollhouse-like, with curlicue trims, bright colors,
and asymmetrical designs. Most Victorian buildings were brick with large interior
staircases and windows, balconies, fireplaces in every room, and porches. Urban areas saw
the construction of what we would call townhouses in the United States: rows of houses
built together.
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Styles
The Queen Anne style was popular from the 1870s to the early 1900s and featured
asymmetrical fronts and towers. One of the primary architects associated with this style was
Richard Norman Shaw, who also utilized the Arts and Crafts style of Victorian architecture.
Queen Anne style houses tend to be manor-like and slightly medieval with fancy
ornamentation. One example of Queen Anne architecture, and a little bit of Arts and Crafts,
is the Old Swan House built by Richard Norman Shaw in 1876 and located in London.
The Classical or Neoclassical style of Victorian architecture, reflected the influences of
ancient Greek and Roman architecture. These buildings were usually symmetrical with
columns. One example of neoclassical Victorian architecture is Witley Court in
Worcestershire, England. The neoclassical elements were added during its remodeling in
the 1850s.
The Gothic Revival style of Victorian architecture had been used before Victoria's reign,
but was very popular from the 1850s to the 1880s in England. John Ruskin was a prominent
architect associated with this style. Influenced by the cathedrals of European countries such
as France, Gothic Revival was mostly used for churches and some public government
buildings, such as the new Houses of Parliament. The new Houses of Parliament were built
in London from the 1840s to the 1870s.
Another example of Victorian architecture is the Arts and Crafts style, which grew in
popularity near the end of the 19th century and fell out of favor about twenty years later.
Architects associated with this movement rejected premade and machine-like styles in
favor of more unique designs. They wanted their buildings to look more natural and fit in
with their surroundings. One example of the Arts and Crafts style is William Morris' Red
House, built in 1859 by Philip Webb in Bexleyheath, England.
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