The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens
The Results of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The Anglo-Saxon way of life was drastically changed by the introduction of the Normans in the later eleventh century. The expertise of the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons' in design and farming at the time of the conquest. But home life, household architecture, and decoration were out of the question until the Normans taken over the rest of the populace. Monasteries and castles served different purposes, so while monasteries were massive stone structures built in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the people focused on understanding offensive and defensive practices. Relaxing activities such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels.
The best specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent in modern times is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an impediment to assailants intending to dig under the castle walls. On one of these parapets is a scenic bowling green covered in grass and surrounded by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.
Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
The amazing or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the artist responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm 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. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.