page_title: Close studding
section_title: Variations
hierarchical_section_title: Close studding / Variations
context_page_description: Close studding is a form of timber work used in timber-framed buildings in which vertical timbers are set close together, dividing the wall into narrow panels. Rather than being a structural feature, the primary aim of close studding is to produce an impressive front.
  Close studding first appeared in England in the 13th century and was commonly used there from the mid-15th century until the end of the 17th century. It was also common in France from the 15th century.
context_section_description: Regional variation occurred across England in the use of the middle rail, which was common in the midlands but rare in the east and south east. Variation in bracing is also seen. Some close-studded buildings, mainly dated before the mid-16th century, have arch or tension bracing to the exterior; examples include the Guildhall in Lavenham and the Chantry House in Bunbury. In later use, however, braces were usually constructed on the interior and concealed by plaster panelling.
  Close studding was sometimes used in association with decorative panel work or close panelling, particularly from the end of the 16th century. In such buildings, the lower storey would usually employ close studding, while the upper storeys would have small square panels with or without ornamentation. Examples include the White Lion in Congleton and Moat Farm in Longdon. An ornamental effect was also sometimes obtained with herringbone or chevron bracing between the uprights.
caption: Guildhall, Lavenham, an example of close studding of the East Anglia school
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