Late Medieval Lodging Ranges: The Architecture of Identity, Power and Space

This book explores the form, function, use, and meaning of late medieval lodging ranges, which were some of the finest living spaces within the great house, built for high-ranking members of the household. It demonstrates how they reflected and shaped medieval life, with their low-occupancy rooms, accessible via individual doors, and symmetrical facades. Surviving lodging ranges (including Wingfield Manor, Middleham Castle, and Dartington Hall) are examined, alongside the lost example of Caister Castle, showing how they had multi-faceted functions, including the representation of multiple and conflicting identities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate world of late medieval lodging ranges, exploring their form, function, usage, and profound meaning. While we possess extensive knowledge about various aspects of the grand houses of the late medieval era, our understanding of their lodging ranges remains relatively limited, and our comprehension of their role in shaping the lived experiences of households and society at large remains even more elusive. Why were lodging ranges constructed, and how were they utilized? It is this knowledge gap that this remarkable book seeks to bridge. By employing a comprehensive architectural and archaeological analysis, it reveals that lodging ranges were indeed some of the most splendid living spaces within the grand houses. Built specifically to accommodate high-ranking members of the household, these ranges featured low, even single-occupancy rooms, accessible through individual doors, a groundbreaking concept that paved the way for the development of privacy. The explicit displays of uniformity on the lodging ranges, with their symmetrical facades, were juxtaposed with subtle variations within, showcasing the interplay between order and individuality.

To further illustrate the significance of lodging ranges, surviving examples, including Wingfield Manor, Middleham Castle, and Dartington Hall, are examined alongside the lost example of Caister Castle. These examinations provide a vivid glimpse into the multifaceted functions of lodging ranges, showcasing how they simultaneously reflected and shaped medieval life. The author makes a compelling argument that the very form and stones of lodging ranges, as well as their skillful manipulation of space, enabled them to serve multiple and even conflicting identities.

In conclusion, this book offers a profound exploration into the world of late medieval lodging ranges, shedding light on their architectural and archaeological significance. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful interpretation, it provides valuable insights into the form, function, usage, and meaning of these remarkable living spaces. By bridging the knowledge gap and illuminating the contributions of lodging ranges to medieval life, this book contributes to our understanding of this captivating period of history.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783277575