This was initially called the Regency Period in honour of the then Prince of Wales who ruled briefly during his father’s mental illness. But the influence of the period extended much beyond that time. It was defined by elegance of style, variety of decoration, subtle additions and decorative features and often bore testament to the Greek classic style.

In Australia, with its usual building limitations and supply problems, this period presented more austerely than our English counterparts. So in Australia, there were fewer decorations and they were more modest in application. But, it was not all restraint – this period did see the frequent use of paint, and stucco on rough walls. Verandahs became very common and slate roofing also emerged as a reflection of the English standards. Boxed eaves also made their debut, where previously few or no eaves had graced buildings. Chimneys now had moulded tops and became more decorative as well as functional.

Ordinary railings also had their renaissance and were made of wrought iron or cast-iron. Timber treillage columns emerged too as part of the homage being paid to detail and decoration. Doorcases surrounded door ways and became a beautiful part of the entrance scenario.

One of the great things about this style existing in a place like Australia is that the bright sunshine experienced here highlights all the details of the decorative features found in this period of architecture, especially façade modelling.

Pediments above porticos appeared. Pilasters – the rectangular columns jutting from a wall ( a form of the word ‘pillar’) became more common. Entablatures became more ornate too (i.e. those parts of a building supported by columns and including the architrave, frieze and cornice). Cupolas also appeared – forming ceiling adornment, sometimes in a dome shape.

This was a period that was quite exciting for windows – previous to this glass could only be produced in small panes because of the way it was produced. Only the small panes would last and break easily. With the introduction of cylinder glass, larger panes could be produced, thus changing the look of windows quite dramatically.

And doors too showed some small changes. Instead of the usual 6 panels, there were now 8 or more, making some of them very complex indeed. And roofs also took a turn from the traditional shingle (wooden) to corrugated iron and many buildings had their roofs re-fitted with corrugated iron sheeting.

Some of the best examples of this period of architecture are seen in Tasmania where the preservation rate is higher than other states. An exceptional example in excellent condition is Panshanger in Tasmania, as seen here.