04. Medieval English Cottages

The Medieval English Cottage has a distinct shape of its own. There are normally two gables at the front of the house which usually intersect. One of these gables frequently has a curved line, which I surmise, in ancient days, sagged under the weight of the sodden thatching on the roof.

                 4a. Medieval English Cottage (Waterloo, Ontario)

    4b. Medieval English Cottage (Waterloo)

What to look for (clues)

• • The facade contains a small uncovered porch leading to a round-headed door. Rough-cut stones are often used to encircle the door.

  • A large chimney, centrally placed, is frequently part of the facade.

  • In addition to the front gables, equally steep gables face towards the sides.

  • Sets of tall, narrow windows, usually set with small internal diamond or rectangular shapes, are common.

  • A small open porch is normal.

  • A further name for this style is 'English Vernacular Cottage'.

     4c. Medieval English Cottage (Waterloo)

                                               4d. Medieval English Cottage, (Waterloo) 

Where To Find It

  This appealing style emigrated to Canada around 1900 and was most prominent in the first half of the last century. The cottage can be found alone or in clusters in most urban centers in Southern Ontario. Although all the pictures are from Waterloo, Ontario, I grew up close to a Medieval English Cottage in a suburb of Ottawa.

                                             4e.    Facade of 4a.

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