Fencing is not just focused on protecting your boundaries; it also provides a form of mental wellbeing that allows you to enjoy your outdoor space or garden to its fullest effect. The best traditional fence styles blend into your overall aesthetic or garden theme, usually allowing plants, garden buildings and furniture to take precedence.
The term traditional fencing covers a range of sub-styles and is also often called classic fencing, with closeboard fencing being a popular traditional fence panel type. In this guide, we will take you through the history of fencing and offer some helpful advice on all things wood fence related.
What are traditional fence styles?
These wood fence styles are often defined by their long-standing usage and cultural significance within specific regions. They have endured and stood the test of time. These styles often include:
- Artisan skills - (e.g. dry stone walls)
- Locally available materials - (e.g. closely planted shrubs in hedge fencing)
- Have been around for generations - (e.g. picket fences)
Traditional fencing often serves a practical purpose for marking boundaries, providing more privacy and security, whilst also providing a time-honoured decorative design that is often considered timeless, charming, and authentic.
A history of fencing in the UK
Read on as we explore 2,000 years covering the history of fencing, together with its development and use in the UK.
Roman times
The first known fencing in the UK dates to the Roman occupation, around the first century AD. The Romans introduced rudimentary forms of fencing, primarily for protecting property. Little progress seems to have been made in fencing for the next 1,000 years, albeit information is hard to obtain, so fencing advances may have been "lost in time".
Enclosure Acts
The history of fencing started in earnest during the feudal system in the UK (after the Norman conquest of England in 1066). The Enclosures Acts started informally in the 12th century and continued until the 19th century when all land considered to be agricultural had been enclosed. These Acts caused the need for open land to be enclosed, which caused significant changes to the landscape and especially the development of fencing technology. These Acts mark the beginning of organised and widespread fencing in the UK.
A town called Fence!
Interestingly, there is even a town whose name originated from fencing due to enclosure, this town is Fence in Lancashire. Still known as "Fence" to this day, the name originated from the enclosure fence, which was erected to keep the King's deer safe and protected. This town has been known as Fence since at least 1507, as it was gifted then by King Henry VII to local tenants.
Tudor era advances
Around the sixteenth century, during the Tudor era reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII and later Elizabeth I, most land in England and Wales was cultivated or arable, and workers or peasants were given land to work for the village or the landowner. With population growth and the realisation that land could be made profitable, common fields used by villagers were accumulated and enclosed. To divide areas, farmers used stone walls, grew hedges, and then wooden fences to define and separate areas and those who worked within them.
Garden fencing in Victorian times
Small landholdings or farms often used wood fences or reed fencing to section off smaller areas within the available land. Fencing was much more affordable and quicker to install or remove than stone boundaries. As the centuries passed, boundary fences became more elaborate, depending on their proximity to a town or city. Landed gentry built walls and hedges around their secret gardens but also installed fences (metal or timber) to keep people out rather than keep farmer workers and servants in.
Modern fencing
Modern homes would feel exposed, and uncontained without an adequate fence. Gardens, as we know them, “became the norm” during industrialisation. The Industrial Revolution (widely considered to be 1760 to 1840), was an era of significant change in Britain. With change, came a way of life that required a hard boundary with your neighbour. Streets of houses were created in cities to accommodate industrial growth, and most accommodations had a defined garden or outside space, with solid fencing.
Today, traditional fencing styles have evolved to meet modern needs, often being treated to protect against the weather, pollution, insects & pests, and general wear and tear. You can choose from various wood fence styles, many of which are traditional fencing (including classic fencing and rustic fencing).
Fencing is available in various useful panel sizes, from 3’ to 6’ in width. There are also different colours and kinds of wood fence panels with interesting design features and elements used in garden schemes to individualise your outdoor space.
10 Essential qualities of traditional fencing
The most crucial factor that distinguishes traditional fencing from other styles is adaptability. Traditional fence styles are perfect for any space that needs a boundary over an area that does not conform to regular garden fence panels. Here are ten essential qualities of traditional fencing:
- Adaptable - adapts to suit any terrain, including sloping ground, mountainous areas, hilly slopes, low plateaus, and vast plains
- Elegance - is as attractive as it is robust, resilient, and adaptable
- Endurance - are made to endure whatever the British weather can throw at them
- Hard-working - fences are designed to work hard, protecting your property, and safeguarding your sanctuary from unwelcome advances
- Resilience - materials used in traditional fence styles are often dip treated or pressure treated timber to combat the elements
- Safety - safe installation means it is the best choice for unusual landscapes
- Security - secure fencing is vital to keep unwanted visitors out and wanted occupants (animals and children) in, add one or more garden gates for access and maximum security
- Strength - because the installer decides the distance between the posts and rails, the garden fence will be as strong as is required to meet location demands. Extra strength can be added if lattice fencing or trellis fencing with climbing plants (which withstand wind) are added
- Stylish - choose rustic fencing for a rural feel or classic for an urban vibe
- Transforming - instantly transforms any garden, outdoor space, or living area
Contrasting traditional vs classic vs rustic fencing
There is a wide variety of fence styles to choose from, and they fall into two main style categories: contemporary and traditional. Traditional fence styles are typically more conservative and conformist in design, while contemporary fencing aims for a fashionable or modern look.
Whether your garden style is currently modern or more traditional, there are benefits to every fence panel style.
Traditional vs classic fencing
To some extent when comparing traditional vs classic fencing the terms are used interchangeably, but there are differences!
Closeboard fencing straddles both fencing styles and is considered one of the leading traditional fence styles but is also classic in design. Closeboard is famed for durability and strength while remaining stylish. This fencing is formed by overlapping vertical feathered boards at the front supported by horizontal rails on the back, creating a solid fence with a classic look for your garden.
Traditional fencing
This can vary regionally in the UK, but "traditional" most often is used to describe traditional artisan skills in manufacturing. So, as an example dry stone walls (which yes, is classed as a form of traditional fencing), wrought iron Victorian garden fences, and wattle fencing would all be considered "traditional".
Classic fencing
These cover fencing designs, which are universally recognised and are “timeless,” having stood the test of time. Picket fences are a form of classic fencing, which is still popular today, but does not particularly require high levels of skilled artisanry. Lattice fencing, which is perfect for supporting climbing plants is both "classic" and "decorative". Classic fencing is often also more formal and includes wrought iron gates and elegant metal railings as seen in Georgian and Victorian eras.
Rustic fencing
This fencing style varies primarily in its aesthetic appeal and construction. This style is more natural and rough-hewn. It uses branches, twigs, bamboo, and unpeeled logs. Rustic charm embraces ruggedness and organic values and is less about uniformity and precision. Examples include bamboo fencing, twig fencing, post and rail fence (mainly in agriculture), split horizontal rails, log fences as well as a wattle fence (which is also considered traditional).
Concluding traditional garden fence panels
The most important factor about fencing and contrasting traditional, classic, or rustic fencing is that there are options compatible with design choices and style. No one of the traditional fence style choices is correct or most suitable; it is all about your garden and your outdoor spaces preference that matters!
Conclusion - which wood fences are right for you?
We’ve covered the history of fencing, which stretches right back to Roman times. We’ve discussed the Enclosure Acts, which were instrumental in fencing advances as they created a need to separate boundaries for agricultural purposes.
When you are choosing between traditional fencing styles it is not as limited as you might think as there are many options to consider. Making the correct buying decision is easy once you understand your requirements for a fence and where it will work best. Buy Fencing Direct has fence panels in various styles, colours, and design choices of traditional wood fence panels to choose from.
Contact us
If you cannot decide or just need a helpful sounding board, then the friendly UK-based team at Buy Fencing Direct is extremely happy to provide free expert advice and guidance with every sale. Contact Buy Fencing Direct at 0333 003 0515 today to discuss purchasing pressure treated traditional, classic, or rustic fencing for your DIY project.
Everyone at Buy Fencing Direct is an expert at finding attractive fencing and accessories for your specific needs. You can also message us by email, which you can do through our easy-to-use contact form. Chat with us via the Live chat pop-up app when visiting our website.