5 Most Crooked Houses In The World!
Have you ever wondered why and how some houses defy the laws of physics with their unusual shapes and leaning walls? Around the world, several houses have become famous for their crooked appearances. These buildings are often tilted or oddly shaped due to various reasons. The reason could vary from unstable foundations, old construction methods, natural shifts in the earth, or sometimes to captivate the imaginations of many. Let’s dive in to explore five of the most crooked houses in the world.
1. The Crooked House of Windsor, Windsor, England
The Crooked House of Windsor, also known as the Market Cross House, was originally built in 1500’s. In 1687, the local council tore down the building, but a quick rebuild was done following a hefty court case over land ownership. Unseasoned green oak was used in constructing the building rather than a sturdier wood. So once the wood dried out, it settled into its characteristic lean.
The building is also famous for a “secret” tunnel passage from the basement that purportedly connects the building with Windsor Castle. Charles II allegedly used this passageway to sneak out and meet his mistress. It is also considered the Oldest teahouse in England and is a protected historical landmark.
2. Suurhusen Church, Hint, Germany
A late medieval steeple in Suurhusen, East Frisia, Germany, Suurhusen Church was initially built on a marsh on foundations of oak tree trunks. The wood was initially preserved by the water in the ground. But when the land was drained in the 19th century it rotted away. This caused the tower to have its characteristic tilt
It was closed to the public for safety reasons after the initial tilt. However, it later reopened following the reinforcement of the structure. It boasts of a tilt of an angle of 5.19 degrees. Surprisingly, it is even more crooked than the tower of Piza.
3. The Crooked House, South Staffordshire, England
Located in Himley in England’s Black Country, the Crooked House was known as Britain’s Wonkiest Pub. The building was originally constructed as a millhouse before it was converted into a pub in the 1830s. A side of the pub began to tilt due to a mining subsidence, which gave the building its characteristic appearance. One side of the building is approximately 1.2m lower than the other.
It was functioning as a pub until 2023 when it was demolished by the owners following an alleged arson incident. An enforcement notice has been issued ordering the rebuilding of the structure.
4. The Crooked House, Lavenham, England
Inspiration to the popular nursery rhyme, ‘There was a Crooked Man’, The Crooked House, Lavanham dates back to 1395. The crooked house is one of the surviving structures of the many crooked houses surviving from the 1300’s. The reason behind their crookedness is the use of fresh oak for construction instead of the usual aged oak, due to a surge of economy in the area at the time because of the prospering wool trade.
Its fairytale-like facade makes it one of the most Instagrammed houses in Britain, and it still functions as a cultural hub, offering tours of the place and hosting cultural events.
5. The Crooked Houses of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for its many tall buildings that have a characteristic tilt to them. There are several reasons behind the crookedness. Since the city is prone to flooding and the buildings generally have very narrow staircases, some buildings are intentionally built at an angle to facilitate the quick lifting of furniture to the upper floors. These buildings contain a hook at the top of the roof using which, heavy furniture can be hoisted up, and the angle of the building prevents the goods from hitting the building and damaging its facade.
Subsidence and use of poor-quality materials also account for some of the crooked buildings. Most of these were built in the 15th century AD.
Conclusion
Architectural precision is often the norm. But these crooked houses remind us that beauty and charm can also be found in imperfections. From the Crooked House of Windsor with its secretive past to the intentionally tilted houses of Amsterdam, tells a unique story. These buildings have not only survived through centuries but have also become beloved landmarks. They draw visitors from around the world with their unusual shapes and fascinating histories.
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