PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (2024)

History

The Georgian style, identified by its symmetrical composition and formal, classical details, was the most prevalent style in the English colonies throughout the 18th century. It was the first architect-inspired style in America, a distinct departure from the more utilitarian, earlier buildings that followed prevailing folk traditions. The Georgian style arrived in America via British architectural building manuals called pattern books around 1700. While the Georgian style was popular in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, it is based on the classical forms of the earlier Italian Renaissance period. English master architects Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren and James Gibbs, inspired by the classicism of the Italian Renaissance developed the Georgian style in England. As the style spread to the colonies, it reflected a period of colonial growth and prosperity and a desire for more formally designed buildings.

A typical Georgian house in Pennsylvania is a stone or brick two-story building with a side-gabled roof and a symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors on the front façade. Usually 5 bays (or openings) across with a center door, the style also commonly features a pedimented or crowned front entrance with flanking pilasters. Other commonly seen details are multi-paned sliding sash windows, often in a 6 light over 6 light pattern, a dentiled cornice, and decorative quoins at the corners of the building. Smaller Georgian buildings might be only 3 bays across, and feature either a center door or side door. The side door version is called a "Two-thirds Georgian" since it follows the Georgian style but lacks two of the usual five bays across the front. This variant of the style, adapted to an urban setting, appears in rowhouse or townhouse form in the state's early cities. Some Georgian buildings in Pennsylvania were built with a pent roof between the first and second stories, although this was not the common form. Another regional variation of the style is the hooded front door, marked by a shallow roof projecting from the decorative crown at the front entry.

Elements of the Georgian style in various vernacular forms appear on buildings in Pennsylvania throughout the 18th century and beyond.

Common Building Types

  • houses
  • schools
  • courthouses

Identifiable Features

  1. Symmetrical form and fenestration (window placement)
  2. Multi-pane windows (6-20 panes in each sash)
  3. Side-gabled or hipped roof
  4. Stone or brick walls
  5. Transom window over paneled front door
  6. Pediment or crown and pilasters at front entry
  7. Cornice with dentils
  8. Water table or belt course
  9. Corner quoins

Photos

Click the thumbnails for larger images.

PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (1)

PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (2)

PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (3)

PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (4)

PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (5)

PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (6)

Note

This is a static, archived version of the PHMC Pennsylvania Architectural Field Guide website which will not be updated. It is a snapshot of the website with minor modifications as it appeared on August 26, 2015.

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PHMC Georgian Style 1700 - 1800 (2024)

FAQs

What makes a house a Georgian style? ›

These houses typically have a large central main body, smaller hyphens (connectors between the main body and wings), and symmetrical wings. Floor plans are most commonly two rooms deep and are one or two stories tall, with pitched roofs.

What was the style of architecture in the 1700s? ›

Georgian: 1700 – 1780. The dominant style for domestic construction in the United States from 1700 to 1780, Georgian architecture grew out of the Italian Renaissance in Europe. Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), an Italian architect, devised a set of design principles based on the Classical proportions of Roman ruins.

What are three distinct features of the Georgian style? ›

If you ask most people to sketch a Georgian house, it will most likely be a rectangle with a door in the center, double-hung windows, a hipped roof and brick.

What was the style of the Georgian period? ›

The Georgian era is notably remembered as marking the summit of house design in Britain. Its legacy can be seen in the entire city squares of uniform, symmetrical townhouses in London, their facades employing classical pilasters, pedimented doors and windows, and graceful moldings.

How old would a Georgian house be? ›

Georgian properties are defined as those built between 1714 – 1830, during the reigns of Georges I-IV. Sometimes the term includes late Georgian properties, which are similar in style and were built between 1830 – 1837 when King William was on the throne.

What period of architecture was 1800? ›

Regency style (1800-1840)

Classical styles, influenced by ancient Greek architecture, became increasingly popular, giving rise to what is known as the Greek Revival. This was characterised by the use of shallower pediments, weighty Greek Doric columns and the refined Greek Ionic classical orders.

What was the style of architecture in 1880? ›

The Queen Anne style, popular in American from 1880 to 1910, evolved out of the Colonial Revival style; the two styles were fashionable at the same time. The Queen Anne style was imported by English architects who were inspired by the half-timbered walls and patterned masonry of Medieval and Jacobean style-buildings.

What was the style in the 1700s? ›

Clothing during this time can be characterized by soft pastels, light, airy, and asymmetrical designs, and playful styles. Wigs remained essential for men and women of substance, and were often white; natural hair was powdered to achieve the fashionable look.

What are the principles of Georgian design? ›

Symmetry and proportion are two of the most fundamental principles in a Georgian aesthetic. The Georgians were great subscribers to mathematical ratios when determining their approach to space. You can expect to see buildings erected in precise cuts of stonework that follow the same form throughout.

What is unique about Georgian architecture? ›

The Georgian Period

Broadly speaking it covers the 18th century and is generally identified by very simple facades; buildings were designed in symmetry and often appeared quite plain. They were usually built with brick and stone and have sash windows.

What colors are Georgian architecture? ›

Soft, muted tones such as pale blues, greys and greens became popular choices for exteriors, reflecting a desire for harmony and simplicity. These were complemented by stark white or off-white, creating a striking contrast that emphasised the architectural details.

What was the Georgian period 1800s? ›

The Georgian era spans the years from 1714 to 1837, covering the reigns of George I, II, III and IV, as well as that of William IV. It was an era of great social, political and cultural changes.

What is famous about the Georgian era? ›

The Georgian period saw Britain establish itself as an international power at the centre of an expanding empire. And accelerating change from the 1770s onwards made it the world's first industrialised nation.

What is the difference between colonial style and Georgian style? ›

While both Georgian and colonial style homes share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. Georgian style homes are typically more formal and symmetrical in design, while colonial style homes often have a more relaxed and eclectic style.

How do I make my house look Georgian? ›

An uncluttered, elegant façade. Panelled, painted front doors. Classical motifs, columns, and other features of Roman architecture. Roofs have wide overhangs and shallow pitches on Palladian-style homes (a Georgian style inspired by 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio.

What is the main difference between a Georgian and a federal style home? ›

A significant difference in the exterior façade is the presence of a projecting portico at the main entrance that is frequently present in the Federal style and not common absent in the Georgian style.

What are the hallmarks of Georgian architecture? ›

The Georgian Period

Broadly speaking it covers the 18th century and is generally identified by very simple facades; buildings were designed in symmetry and often appeared quite plain. They were usually built with brick and stone and have sash windows.

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