Tudor Architecture 1500-1550

Have a little read: ... Tudor Architecture 1500-1550 Between 1500-50, vast changes took place in English architecture, and the following sources agree to varying lengths about the impact of Henry V111. Source A is from a publication by William Harrison c1577, which highly flatters Henrys impact on English architecture, and is based on expert opinion, suggesting authenticity and reliability. Harrison lived during Henrys reign, and could give a broader overview of changes he made to building: a quote from the source emphasises Henrys building change "Those that were builded before the time of Henry V111 retain to these days and show the image of ancient workmanship" Harrison's extract states that Henry V111 was a more dominant force in architecture than the renaissance artists (e.g. Adrian the Emperor and Justinian the Lawgiver). Harrison focuses solely on the Kings impact, suggesting that the King set the "precedent" or mark for building standards and that his buildings were "perpetual" or everlasting compared to the ancient workmanship mentioned above. Harrison also said that the use of masonry "did never flourish in England better than this time" showing his innovative impact. This makes us think that Henry had an unrivalled impact on architecture, but Source B disagrees with this Source B is a letter (c1526) sent from John London to Mr Larke. A letter provides a private document, and is probably more honest as was not for publication and more reliable as it offers an uncontroversial and frank account. London deals with Cardinal Wolseys construction of Cardinal College. In this account, he uses similar phrases as Harrison in Source A, but to compliment Wolseys architectural prowess rather than Henrys. Not once does this letter speak of Henrys "perpetual buildings" but describes Wolseys buildings as "Meritorious and perpetual to enjoy". This letter also states how Wolsey had a great impact on change, especially with the new style "upper lodgings" as an innovative way of providing privacy in society. We can infer from Sources A & B that other influences apart from the King were involved in changing architecture, with Wolsey being the other main contributor. Source C is a graph from the book "Royal Palaces of Tudor England " by Simon Thurley, and shows the rate at which Henry V111 acquired buildings. The graph shows that between 1534-47, the most building acquisition took place - this period coincides with the dissolution of the monastries showing how Henry V111 could exercise more power after the downfall and death of