The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens
The Influence of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Gardens The introduction of the Normans in the second half of the eleventh century greatly transformed The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But there was no time for home life, domestic design, and decoration until the Normans had conquered the whole region.
Because of this, castles were cruder structures than monasteries: Monasteries were often significant stone buildings located in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their inhabitants dedicated time and space to projects for offense and defense. Relaxing pastimes such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. The purest specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent presently is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time. A significant terrace serves as a hindrance to invaders who would try to mine the walls of the building. On 1 of these terraces lies a quaint bowling green: it's covered in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is created into the shape of rough ramparts.
Where did Landscape Fountains Come From?
Where did Landscape Fountains Come From? The dramatic 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. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs nearby. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered 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 ornamental. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.