The Effect of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Garden Design
The Effect of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Garden Design The Anglo-Saxon way of life was dramatically changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century. The ability of the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. But before focusing on home-life or having the occasion to think about domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire society. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were often immense stone buildings set in the biggest and most fertile valleys, while castles were erected on windy crests where their inhabitants devoted time and space to tasks for offense and defense. The serene practice of gardening was unrealistic in these dismal 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 the time of William the Conqueror. As a technique of deterring assailants from tunneling within the walls, an immense terrace surrounds the building. One of these terraces, a charming bowling green, is covered grass and flanked by an aged yew hedge cut into the form of crude battlements.Where did Large Garden Fountains Begin?
Where did Large Garden Fountains Begin? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there 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, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational events.