The Effect of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens

The Effect of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The Anglo-Saxon way of life was drastically changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century. The Normans were better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But before concentrating on home-life or having the occasion to consider domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Castles were more basic constructions and often constructed on blustery hills, where their people devoted both time and space to practicing offense and defense, while monasteries were considerable stone buildings, commonly situated in the widest, most fertile hollows. Gardening, a peaceful occupation, was unfeasible in these fruitless fortifications. The purest specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent today is Berkeley Castle. The keep is rumored to have been conceived during the time of William the Conqueror. As a method of deterring assailants from tunneling under the walls, an immense terrace surrounds the building. Effect Norman Invasion Anglo-Saxon Gardens 1835427531699.jpg

Effect Norman Invasion Anglo-Saxon Gardens 1835427531699.jpg

On one of these parapets is a scenic bowling green covered in grass and enclosed by an aged hedge of yew that has been designed into coarse battlements.

Back Story of Wall Fountains

Back Story of Wall Fountains Himself a learned man, Pope Nicholas V headed the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 till 1455 and was responsible for the translation of scores of age-old documents from their original Greek into Latin. In order to make Rome worthy of being the capital of the Christian world, the Pope resolved to enhance the beauty of the city. Starting in 1453, the ruined ancient Roman aqueduct known as the Aqua Vergine which had brought clean drinking water into the city from eight miles away, underwent restoration at the behest of the Pope. A mostra, a monumental commemorative fountain constructed by ancient Romans to mark the point of entry of an aqueduct, was a practice which was restored by Nicholas V. At the behest of the Pope, architect Leon Battista Alberti began the construction of a wall fountain in the place where we now find the Trevi Fountain. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.

Bernini’s First Italian Fountains

Bernini’s First Italian Fountains The Barcaccia, Bernini's very first fountain, is a magnificent chef d'oeuvre built at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this area is filled with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company. One of the city’s most fashionable gathering spots are the streets surrounding Bernini's fountain, which would undoubtedly have brought a smile to the great Bernini. The master's very first fountain of his professional life was built at around 1630 at the behest of Pope Urbano VIII. The fountain’s central theme is based on an enormous ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean. The great 16th century flood of the Tevere, which left the entire region inundated with water, was memorialized by the fountain according to writings from the period. In 1665, France was graced by Bernini's only lengthy journey outside of Italy.