Anglo-Saxon Grounds at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo-Saxon Grounds at the Time of the Norman Conquest
The Anglo-Saxon way of life was significantly changed by the appearance of the Normans in the later eleventh century. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. However, there was no time for home life, domestic design, and decoration until the Normans had overcome the whole region. Because of this, castles were cruder structures than monasteries: Monasteries were often important stone buildings located in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their residents devoted time and space to projects for offense and defense. Peaceful pursuits such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. Berkeley Castle is possibly the most unchanged model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture. The keep is rumored to have been developed during the time of William the Conqueror. As a strategy of deterring assailants from tunneling underneath the walls, an immense terrace encircles the building. A picturesque bowling green, covered in grass and surrounded by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, makes one of the terraces.
Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?
A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes. From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. 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. 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 source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.