The Impact of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Garden Design
The Impact of the Norman Conquest on Anglo-Saxon Garden Design
The arrival of the Normans in the 2nd half of the eleventh century irreparably transformed The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. Nonetheless the Normans had to pacify the whole territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were usually immense stone buildings located in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their citizens dedicated time and space to tasks for offense and defense. Relaxing pastimes such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. Berkeley Castle is perhaps the most intact model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture. The keep is rumored to have been created during the time of William the Conqueror. A spacious terrace meant for strolling and as a means to stop attackers from mining under the walls runs around the building. A picturesque bowling green, covered in grass and surrounded by battlements cut out of an ancient yew hedge, creates one of the terraces.
Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Roots
Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Roots The dramatic or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to delivering drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water source, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the 19th century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.