The Results of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens

The Results of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The introduction of the Normans in the 2nd half of the 11th century irreparably improved The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. The Normans were much better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. Nonetheless the Normans had to pacify the entire territory before they could concentrate on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Castles were more basic constructions and often constructed on blustery hills, where their tenants devoted both time and space to practicing offense and defense, while monasteries were major stone buildings, mostly located in the widest, most fruitful hollows. The barren fortresses did not provide for the peaceful avocation of gardening. The finest example of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent presently is Berkeley Castle. It is said that the keep was introduced during William the Conqueror's time. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an obstacle to assailants trying to excavate under the castle walls. A scenic bowling green, covered in grass and bordered by battlements cut out of an ancient yew hedge, makes one of the terraces.

Bernini's Early Showpieces

Bernini's Early Showpieces One can find Bernini's very first masterpiece, the Barcaccia fountain, at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this spot is flooded with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy debate and each other's company. The streets neighboring his water fountain have come to be one of the city’s most fashionable meeting places, something which would certainly have pleased Bernini himself. The master's first fountain of his professional life was built at around 1630 at the behest of Pope Urbano VIII. Depicted in the fountain's design is a large ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. The great flooding of the Tevere that covered the whole region with water in the 16th was commemorated by this momentous fountain as recorded by reports dating back to this period. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a lengthy time period, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.