Anglo-Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest

Anglo-Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest The Anglo-Saxon way of life was considerably changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century. Engineering and horticulture were skills that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But before focusing on home-life or having the occasion to consider domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Because of this, castles were cruder buildings than monasteries: Monasteries were usually important stone buildings located in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were erected on windy crests where their inhabitants devoted time and space to tasks for offense and defense. Relaxing activities such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. The finest specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent today is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. Anglo-Saxon Landscapes Time Norman Conquest 2587404134.jpg

Anglo-Saxon Landscapes Time Norman Conquest 2587404134.jpg

A monumental terrace serves as a hindrance to intruders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. On one of these terraces sits a quaint bowling green: it is covered in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is created into the shape of rough ramparts.

The Dispersion of Water Feature Design Technology

The Dispersion of Water Feature Design Technology Dispersion Water Feature Design Technology 719319132668.jpg

Throughout the European countries, the chief means of spreading useful hydraulic understanding and fountain design ideas were the published papers and illustrated books of the day, which contributed to the evolution of scientific technology. In the late 1500's, a French fountain architect (whose name has been lost) was the internationally recognized hydraulics pioneer. With Royal mandates in Brussels, London and Germany, he started his career in Italy, acquiring expertise in garden design and grottoes with integrated and ingenious water hydraulics. He penned a publication entitled “The Principles of Moving Forces” toward the end of his life while in France that became the fundamental tome on hydraulic technology and engineering. Replacing key hydraulic advancements of classical antiquity, the publication also details contemporary hydraulic technologies. As a mechanical way to move water, Archimedes invented the water screw, fundamental among key hydraulic advancements. A pair of undetectable vessels warmed by the sun's rays in an space adjacent to the ornamental water fountain were found in an illustration. The hot liquid expands and then ascends and shuts the pipes consequently activating the fountain. Yard ponds as well as pumps, water wheels, and water feature concepts are included in the publication.