Inigo Jones and the Architecture of Necessity

TL;DR

Wimbledon Manor, a little-known royal residence, was a private haven for King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria. Designed by architect Inigo Jones, the house featured intimate spaces such as bed alcoves, shared drawing rooms, and direct access to gardens. It reflected the couple's love for each other and their devotion to the arts.

Transcript

• Well, good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to this evening's lecture. You know, there are some characters from history who you just would not have wanted to be. Guy Fawkes had a pretty grizzly end. So did Thomas Becket, and it wouldn't have been particularly good to have been Joan of Arc. But there are a whole cast of lesser figures who... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 Wimbledon Manor served as a private haven for King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, allowing them to escape from the public and enjoy intimacy.
• 🎨 The architectural design of Wimbledon Manor reflected the latest fashions, with bed alcoves inspired by French design.
• 🥰 The couple's love for the arts was evident in their choice of paintings and decorations for the house.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria choose Wimbledon Manor as their private residence?

Wimbledon Manor provided a secluded and private location for the couple to enjoy intimacy away from the public eye. It offered direct access to gardens and unique architectural features such as bed alcoves.

Q: What architectural elements made Wimbledon Manor unique?

Wimbledon Manor, designed by Inigo Jones, featured bed alcoves, shared drawing rooms, and direct access to gardens. These elements created an intimate and private atmosphere for the couple.

Q: Did Wimbledon Manor have any defensive features?

No, Wimbledon Manor was not designed with any defensive features. The early 17th century was a time of peace and prosperity, and there was no conception of the need for defensive measures.

Q: What happened to Wimbledon Manor after the royal couple's time?

Wimbledon Manor fell out of fashion and was eventually demolished. The site was later developed into a housing estate, with new houses built in the 18th century.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Wimbledon Manor, built in 1639, was a private residence for King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria.

• Designed by Inigo Jones, the house featured unique architectural elements, including bed alcoves and shared drawing rooms.

• The couple used Wimbledon Manor as a love nest, enjoying intimacy and privacy away from the public eye.

• The house's design and furnishings reflected the Queen's Catholic faith and the couple's love for the arts.