Anglo-Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo-Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest The introduction of the Normans in the second half of the eleventh century significantly altered The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. Engineering and horticulture were skills that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But before focusing on home-life or having the occasion to think about domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Monasteries and castles served different functions, so while monasteries were massive stone structures constructed in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the people focused on learning offensive and defensive practices.
Peaceful activities such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. Berkeley Castle is probably the most intact model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman form of architecture. The keep is thought to date from the time of William the Conqueror. As a technique of deterring attackers from tunneling within the walls, an immense terrace encompasses the building. On one of these parapets is a scenic bowling green covered in grass and bordered by an aged hedge of yew that has been designed into coarse battlements.
Where did Fountains Begin?
Where did Fountains Begin? The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the area. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or shoot high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.