Early Crete & The Minoans: Wall Fountains

The Origins Of Fountains
The Origins Of Fountains A fountain, an amazing 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.Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini variations of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.
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 latter half of the eleventh century greatly transformed The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. Architecture and horticulture were skills that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. However the Normans had to pacify the whole territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Because of this, castles were cruder structures 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 citizens dedicated time and space to projects for offense and defense. The tranquil method of gardening was unlikely in these bleak bastions. Berkeley Castle is perhaps the most complete model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman form of architecture. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time. A significant terrace serves as a hindrance to invaders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and surrounded by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Space
The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Space
The space necessary for a cascading or spouting fountain is considerable, so a wall fountain is the ideal size for a small yard. You can choose to install a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an attached basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and hung from a wall. A water feature can be added to an existing wall if you include some kind of fountain mask as well as a basin to gather the water at the bottom. Be sure to hire a specialist for this type of job since it is better not to do it yourself due to the intricate plumbing and masonry work needed.