The Results of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping

The Results of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping The advent of the Normans in the second half of the eleventh century substantially transformed The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. The expertise of the Normans exceeded the Anglo-Saxons' in design and farming at the time of the conquest. However, there was no time for home life, domestic architecture, and decoration until the Normans had overcome the whole region. Monasteries and castles served separate purposes, so while monasteries were massive stone structures built in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the people focused on learning offensive and defensive tactics. The sterile fortresses did not provide for the calm avocation of gardening. Berkeley Castle, perhaps the most pristine style of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture, still exists now. It is said that the keep was developed during William the Conqueror's time. A spacious terrace recommended for strolling and as a way to stop enemies from mining under the walls runs around the building. One of these terraces, a charming bowling green, is covered grass and flanked by an ancient yew hedge cut into the figure of crude battlements.

Early Crete & The Minoans: Wall Fountains

Early Crete & The Minoans: Wall FountainsEarly Crete & Minoans: Wall Fountains 6075394136447771136.jpg On the Greek island of Crete, excavations have discovered channels of numerous sorts. They not merely aided with the water supply, they eliminated rainwater and wastewater as well. They were for the most part built from clay or rock. There were terracotta pipes, both round and rectangular as well as pathways made from the same materials. Amidst these were terracotta conduits which were U-shaped or a shorter, cone-like form which have just showed up in Minoan culture. The water provision at Knossos Palace was handled with a strategy of clay piping that was put beneath the floor, at depths varying from a few centimeters to many meters. These Minoan conduits were also used for gathering and stocking water, not just distribution. This required the terracotta pipes to be capable of holding water without seepage. Below ground Water Transportation: This system’s unseen nature may mean that it was initially planned for some sort of ritual or to distribute water to limited groups. Quality Water Transportation: There’s also data that indicates the piping being employed to feed water fountains separately of the local process.

Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings

Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains Beginnings 17941348469200389.jpg Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.

The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the artist responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to decorate their 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 exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

Nowadays, fountains decorate public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

Ancient Outdoor Water Feature Artists Often serving as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and highly educated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the later part of the 18th century, fountain designers were multi-faceted individuals,... read more


How Technical Designs of Fountains Spread The published reports and illustrated pamphlets of the time contributed to the advancements of scientific technology, and were the primary means of spreading practical hydraulic concepts and water feature ideas throughout Europe.... read more


Large Outdoor Fountains: An Ideal Decor Accessory to Find Tranquility You can find peace and tranquility by simply having water in your garden.The loud noises in your neighborhood can be masked by the delicate sounds of a fountain.... read more


The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Area A good way to enhance the appeal of your outdoor living area is to add a wall fountain or an exterior garden fountain to your landscaping or garden design.Historical fountains and water features have stirred the interest of contemporary designers as well as fountain manufacturers.... read more