A Short History of the Early Public Water Features

A Short History of the Early Public Water Features Water fountains were initially practical in purpose, used to bring water from rivers or creeks to cities and villages, supplying the inhabitants with fresh water to drink, wash, and cook with. To generate water flow through a fountain until the end of the 1800’s, and generate a jet of water, demanded gravity and a water source such as a creek or lake, situated higher than the fountain. Inspiring and impressive, prominent water fountains have been built as memorials in nearly all cultures. The common fountains of modern times bear little likeness to the very first water fountains. Uncomplicated stone basins sculpted from local stone were the first fountains, used for religious purposes and drinking water. 2000 B.C. is when the oldest identified stone fountain basins were used. The first civilizations that utilized fountains depended on gravity to push water through spigots. Short History Early Public Water Features 675717288.jpg

Short History Early Public Water Features 675717288.jpg

The placement of the fountains was influenced by the water source, which is why you’ll normally find them along aqueducts, canals, or rivers. The Romans began creating elaborate fountains in 6 BC, most of which were metallic or natural stone masks of creatures and mythological characters. The impressive aqueducts of Rome supplied water to the eye-catching public fountains, most of which you can go see today.

Bernini’s First Italian Fountains

Bernini’s First Italian Fountains Bernini's earliest fountain, named Barcaccia, is a masterful work of art seen at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. Roman residents and site seers who appreciate verbal exchanges as well as being the company of others still flood this spot. Bernini would undoubtedly have been happy to know that people still flock to what has become one the city's most fashionable areas, that around his amazing water fountain. Dating back to around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII mandated what was to be the earliest water fountain of the master's career. The fountain’s central motif is based on an enormous boat slowly sinking into the Mediterranean. Period reports dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was constructed as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a lengthy period of time, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.

The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Garden Design

The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Garden Design The introduction of the Normans in the later half of the 11th century substantially modified The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. Impact Norman Invasion Anglo Saxon Garden Design 408259498.jpg

Impact Norman Invasion Anglo Saxon Garden Design 408259498.jpg

However the Normans had to pacify the whole territory before they could concentrate on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Most often designed upon windy summits, castles were fundamental structures that permitted their occupants to spend time and space to offensive and defensive strategies, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings generally installed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. The bare fortresses did not provide for the peaceful avocation of farming. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is depicted in Berkeley Castle, which is perhaps the most unscathed example we have. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an obstacle to assailants attempting to dig under the castle walls. A picturesque bowling green, covered in grass and enclosed by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, creates one of the terraces.