Anglo Saxon Landscapes During the Norman Conquest

The arrival of the Normans in the 2nd half of the eleventh century irreparably transformed The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. The expertise of the Normans exceeded the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. However the Normans had to pacify the overall territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Because of this, castles were cruder constructions than monasteries: Monasteries were frequently immense stone buildings set in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were constructed on windy crests where their citizens devoted time and space to tasks for offense and defense. Relaxing pastimes such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. The purest example of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent in modern times is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from the time of William the Conqueror. A spacious terrace meant for strolling and as a means to stop enemies from mining below the walls runs around the building. On one of these terraces lies a stylish bowling green: it is covered click this over here now in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is formed into the shape of rough ramparts.