It is not the inclusion of the first half of the sixteenth century which alone has led to the adoption of the title _Early Renaissance_: the limitation of period which these words indicate appeared particularly necessary in consequence of the recent publication of two other books, one being the important work of Mr. Belcher and Mr. Macartney, illustrating buildings of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, under the title of _Later Renaissance Architecture in England_; and the other being Mr. Reginald Blomfield's scholarly book, _A History of Renaissance Architecture in England_, which, although it starts with the beginning of the sixteenth century, does not dwell at any length upon the earlier work, but is chiefly devoted to an exhaustive survey of that of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The value of a work on Architecture is greatly enhanced by illustrations, and I am much indebted to the numerous gentlemen who, with great courtesy, have placed the fruits of their pencil, brush, or camera at my disposal: their names are given in the Lists of Plates and Illustrations. More particularly I desire to acknowledge the kindness of the Committee of that very useful publication _The Architectural Association Sketch Book_, in giving permission for some of their plates to be reproduced; and among other contributors I have especially to thank Colonel Gale, Mr. W. Haywood, and Mr. Harold Brakspear; while to Mr. Ryland Adkins I am indebted for several valuable suggestions in connection with the text of the Introductory chapter. Mr. Bradley Batsford has rendered ungrudging assistance at every stage of the undertaking, which has particularly benefited from his broad and liberal views in regard to the illustrations. My thanks are also due to those ladies and gentlemen who allowed me to examine, and sometimes to measure and photograph their houses; and I am indebted to Mr. Chart, the Clerk of Works at Hampton Court Palace, for much useful information imparted during my investigations there. Each illustration is utilized to explain some point in the text, but in many cases the reference is purposely made short, the illustration being left to tell its own story. J. ALFRED GOTCH. WEST HILL, KETTERING. _August, 1901._ CONTENTS. CHAP. PAGE I.--INTRODUCTORY 1 II.--THE INVASION OF THE FOREIGN STYLE 10 III.--THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOUSE PLAN FROM ABOUT 1450 TO 1635 41 IV.--EXTERIOR FEATURES--THE LAY-OUT OF HOUSES, LODGES AND GATEWAYS, DOORWAYS AND PORCHES 73 V.--EXTERIOR FEATURES--GENERAL ASPECT, EXTERNAL APPEARANCE, WINDOWS OF VARIOUS KINDS 94