The size and position of doorways in Tudor buildings were dictated by the practical requirements of access and construction.
Tudor carved and plain door heads were of wood, stone or brick, and tended to be flat or four-centred (that is, in the form of a shallow arch that rises to a central point). Four centred heads sometimes had carved spandrels(examples are shown in web photos). The jambs often had stopped, chamfered mouldings, to protect and decorate the frame.
Carved and Plain Door Hoodmolds or projecting carved or moulded cornices were cut over front doors and, during the 16th century, porches became popular.
Internal Porch Pain or carved doorways, protected from the weather, were often more elaborate than external doorways. Their decorative development became more detailed in carved design as the century progressed and is similar to that of the fireplace over mantle. Classical details such as pillars and cornices appeared from the middle of the 16th century , but for security of the occupants late medieval style and design were of a strong heavy plain or carved door construction this design criteria remained dominant throughout the Tudor period.
External plain or carved doors were made from oak planks with carved detailed mouldings the oak was up to 26 inches (65cm) wide. The planks were either fastened by horizontal battens on the reverse or for strength and security by a second set of planks, laid at right angles to the first (a double-boarded or cross-boarded door).
The heads of the handmade nails used on the plain or carved door construction were sometimes left exposed to give a decorative finish . Ordinary internal plain or carved doors were usually battened. Grander plain or carved doors were often lighter, comprising a framework with an infill of frequently carved wooden door panels. Door fittings were basic, except in the grandest houses.
