17th Century Building & Construction Techniques

[blacksmith]

I am looking for any book or literature that discusses construction methods, skills, materials, tools, setting out etc. during the early to mid 17th Century. If it covers social and or political influences that would be even better.

Does anyone have recommendations or other avenues to search? My father in law is an avid amateur historian and is having some difficulty finding suitable material. If these lean towards the more academic that would not be a problem.

Very much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Keith Bowman]

As no-one else has made a suggestion can I start by saying how useful I found the little Shire Publications pocket book: Discovering timber framed buildings.

 

[Keith Bowman]

And, of course, there is a tag on the top line above for books!

 

[DJH]

Batty Langley ‘The Builders Compleat Assistant’ (1738); ‘The City and Country Builder’s and Workman’s Treasury of Designs’ (1740); ‘The Builder’s Jewel, or the Youth’s Instructor and Workman’s Remembrancer’ (1741)

Salzman, Building in England down to 1540....

Doug

 

[plasticpigeon]

Doug,

Do you have all those books? i have found a few online but the builders compleat assistant for example, i have seen for sale for many hundreds if not thousands of pounds!!!

 

[dans]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Builders-Assistant-Absolutely-Necessary-Understood/dp/1170488218

 

[masochists-r-us]

Best one we have is by Raymond Wood-Jones, entitled TRADITIONAL DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE IN THE BANBURY REGION. There are lots of drawings, detailing layouts of 17th C domestic dwellings and before, but it is quite dry so best read when you're wide awake. It gave us the confidence to determine the location and subsequently uncover a number of historical features hidden behind 60's changes to the house. What surprised us was how few layouts there were in those times, therefore it was quite easy to work out which one was ours. We eventually bought our own copy after studying the ones in the local reference library so this might save you from an expensive purchase.

 

[plasticpigeon]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BATTY-LANGLEY-BUILDERS-ASSISTANT-2-VOLS-FINE-CALF-1775-/310571349007?pt=Antiquarian_Books_UK&hash=item484f7eb40f

 

[DJH]

Doug,

Do you have all those books? i have found a few online but the builders compleat assistant for example, i have seen for sale for many hundreds if not thousands of pounds!!!

Hmm, not willing to say on an open site Plastic... 8)

 

[blacksmith]

To all who have replied - many thanks and apologies for not getting back sooner but have been very busy hand cutting mortise and tenons and got rather carried away - must be all that fresh outdoor air,snow,hail rain etc.


I will pass these on and see where it leads him.


best regards