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 Fountains
Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings

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.