The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping
The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping The introduction of the Normans in the second half of the 11th century irreparably transformed The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. Architecture and horticulture were attributes that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But yet there was no time for home life, domestic architecture, and decoration until the Normans had overcome the whole realm. Because of this, castles were cruder buildings than monasteries: Monasteries were often immense stone buildings set in the biggest and most fertile valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their residents dedicated time and space to projects for offense and defense. The tranquil practice of gardening was not viable in these dismal bastions.
The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is exemplified in Berkeley Castle, which is perhaps the most untouched sample we have. It is said that the keep was created during William the Conqueror's time. A massive terrace serves as a hindrance to intruders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. A scenic bowling green, covered in grass and bordered by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, forms one of the terraces.
Where did Fountains Originate from?
Where did Fountains Originate from? The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to enhance your home.
From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up until the nineteenth, 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. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create 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. 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
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly 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.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.