Colonial architecture in Maryland and Virginia

University Of Virginia

The typical mansion consisted of a main central portion, with the great hall extending through (occasionally two stories high), from which opened the principal rooms. This main building was usually flanked with a lower wing on either side, which contained the less important rooms, kitchen, servants' quarters, and offices , the whole making a symmetrical composition which is essentially a classical principle, and a point never
lost sight of by the colonial builders.

The substitution of brick for wood in the general construction was another marked departure
from the New England mode of building. The brick was usually laid up with wide joints in the
Flemish bond (each course being made up of alternate headers and stretchers, a header coming
directly over a stretcher below). A fine effect was thus attained, both in color and design, the
headers being burned very dark. (See plate showing centre of the Brice House.)

Whitehall on the outskirts of Annapolis, the Hammond House (often called the Lockerman
or Harwood House in the city), Brandon, and Westover are all fine examples of the typical buildings.
Shirley on the James River, and the Chase House in Annapolis, are very good specimens of the single
building, hip-roofed pattern, which is so much akin to the Northern types.

The dignity and repose of these old buildings were primarily based on their symmetry of
plan, and their aesthetic excellence was due to this fact, coupled with judicious and legitimate
adaptation of classic motives and decoration. To the entire absence of false precedent was also, to
some extent, their merit of excellence due. The craftsman and builder of those days were com-
pelled to resort to the few books on the "Orders," which were mostly of English origin, for their
precedents. The rules of Palladio and Vignola, as interpreted by Gibbs and Langley through Sir
Christopher Wren and Inigo Jones, were faithfully adhered to in spirit. (The influence of French
intercourse and education is also evident from the interior detail and decoration of several of these
mansions.)

The Rotunda at the Lawn of the University of Virginia (UVA), view from the south east (2007)
Image via Wikipedia

Whitehall on the outskirts of AnnapolisImage via Wikipedia

Hammond-Harwood House (Md. Ave. Facade)Image via Wikipedia

Chase-Lloyd House in AnnapolisImage via Wikipedia