Architectural planning and behavioural conventions in the re-use of spiritual properties in sixteenth-century London

This thesis examines the relationship between architectural arrangements and behavioural conventions in the sixteenth century. It tests this relationship through the modifications that were made when London properties originally designed for spiritual purposes were transferred for secular use. Through an analysis of the modifications made to two church owned properties in London; a monastic house at the beginning of the century and an episcopal inn at its close, the priorities for spatial organisation are identified. In order to understand how successfully the resulting re-use of architectural space upheld and reinforced the social conventions of the period, a comparison is made between these London arrangements and the architectural spaces that the same owners enjoyed in the country, hence permitting wider social conclusions to be drawn. In highlighting the significance of certain characteristics of architectural planning, the culture of the society that demanded them is more easily understood. The thesis commences by outlining the historical background behind the religious policies of the Tudor monarchy that affected property ownership. It goes on to establish the importance of domestic spatial planning and its link to behavioural conventions that were originally derived in the country, through the analysis of country house planning and in particular, the conversion of Leighs Priory, Essex. The attempts to re-create this country architectural form in London before and during the Reformation follows, with a close analysis of the first case study, the conversion of St. Bartholomew’s Priory, Smithfield. The resulting architectural form is considered through an understanding of London society and the identification of cultural differences between urban and rural lifestyles. The country houses of the later sixteenth century, and in particular Kirby Hall and Holdenby are studied in search of any consequences from this London lifestyle and developments in country spatial planning are identified. A close examination of the second case study, the re-use of Ely Place, Holborn, is conducted in search of confirmation that the architectural innovations of the mid to late sixteenth-century country house were in their turn imported to London. These comparisons highlight the importance of the interplay between urban cultural developments and rural architectural planning and the reciprocal nature of the two throughout the century