The Effect of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Gardens
The Effect of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Gardens The Anglo-Saxon way of life was drastically changed by the introduction of the Normans in the later eleventh century. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But nevertheless home life, household architecture, and decoration were out of the question until the Normans taken over the rest of the population. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were frequently significant stone buildings set in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their residents devoted time and space to tasks for offense and defense. The calm method of gardening was unlikely in these dreary bastions.
Berkeley Castle is probably the most complete model in existence today of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. As a technique of deterring assailants from tunneling within the walls, an immense terrace surrounds the building. A scenic bowling green, covered in grass and enclosed by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, forms one of the terraces.
The Origins Of Garden Fountains
The Origins Of Garden Fountains A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.
From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.