The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Garden Design
The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Garden Design The arrival of the Normans in the second half of the 11th century greatly altered The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But before centering on home-life or having the occasion to think about domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire society.
Monasteries and castles served separate purposes, so while monasteries were large stone structures assembled in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the residents focused on learning offensive and defensive strategies. Peaceful pastimes such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. Berkeley Castle is perhaps the most complete model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture. The keep is reported to have been created during the time of William the Conqueror. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an obstacle to assailants attempting to excavate under the castle walls. On 1 of these terraces sits a quaint bowling green: it is covered in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is formed into the shape of rough ramparts.
Where did Fountains Originate from?
Where did Fountains Originate from? 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 an extraordinary effect.The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.
The Countless Construction Materials of Large Garden Fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Large Garden Fountains
Garden fountains these days are mostly made from metal, although you can find them in other materials too. Metals tend to produce clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any style or budget. It is essential that your landscape design reflects the style of your residence. A prevalent choice today is copper, and it is used in the designing of many sculptural garden fountains. Copper is trendy for both inside and outside use and is widely found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Another advantage of copper fountains is they are versatile and come in a wide variety of styles.
Also popular, brass fountains typically have a more old-fashioned look to them versus their copper counterpart. You will see a lot of brass fountains, as their intricate artwork makes them popular even if they are on the more traditional side.
Arguably the most modern of all metals is stainless steel. If you select a cutting-edge steel design, both the value and tranquility of your garden will get a nice bump. Like all water fountains, you can find them in just about any size you want.
For people who want the look of a metal fountain but want a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. It is easy to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are popular.