A Concise History of the Early Outdoor Water Features

Concise History Early Outdoor Water Features 90929969169270837330.jpg

A Concise History of the Early Outdoor Water Features The water from springs and other sources was initially provided to the citizens of nearby communities and municipalities by way of water fountains, whose design was primarily practical, not artistic. The force of gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the close of the nineteenth century, using the potent power of water traveling downhill from a spring or brook to squeeze the water through valves or other outlets. The splendor and wonder of fountains make them appropriate for historic monuments. The contemporary fountains of modern times bear little similarity to the first water fountains. Uncomplicated stone basins created from nearby stone were the first fountains, used for spiritual ceremonies and drinking water. The initial stone basins are believed to be from about 2000 B.C.. The spray of water appearing from small jets was pushed by gravity, the sole power source designers had in those days. Located near aqueducts or springs, the functional public water fountains supplied the local citizens with fresh drinking water. Fountains with elaborate decoration began to appear in Rome in about 6 B.C., usually gods and wildlife, made with stone or bronze. A well-engineered collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.

Anglo Saxon Grounds During the Norman Conquest

Anglo Saxon Grounds During the Norman Conquest Anglo Saxon Grounds Norman Conquest 671134583.jpg

The Anglo-Saxon way of life was dramatically changed by the arrival of the Normans in the later eleventh century. Engineering and gardening were skills that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. Nonetheless the Normans had to pacify the overall territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Monasteries and castles served separate functions, so while monasteries were massive stone structures assembled in only the most productive, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the people focused on learning offensive and defensive strategies. Peaceful pursuits such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. The purest specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent presently is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A monumental terrace serves as a hindrance to invaders who would try to mine the walls of the building. A scenic bowling green, covered in grass and surrounded by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, makes one of the terraces.