History of boundary fencing
Fences are a common sight in our world today, but their origin goes back centuries. The word “fence” comes from the XIV Century when it referred to defence structures made by tribes or other forces that wanted protection for what they had built against attacks by others who might want access into your territory. Today we use them as barriers between properties which provide safety from intruders seeking entry where there's none desired.
Early boundary fences were made of stone, wood or sometimes an odd mixture of the two.
A boundary fence was one of the first types of fencing to be installed in the colonies. Because boundary fences were very expensive, they generally only existed on large properties and boundary fences for small farms tended to be made out of local materials such as wood.
The fences were used to mark the boundary between two land parcels so that they could be easily identified by people living in the area. The boundary fences generally followed natural features such as rivers, roads and landscape boundaries. Some fences show man-made enhancements were there. The longer straight fences tend to be the ones made out of wood as building in stone was very expensive and time consuming.
Stone boundarys
Stone walls in the landscape generally form part of the history of the land associated with the history and development of agriculture.
The boundary fences were used to mark boundaries between land parcels, surrounded individual homesteads or even sometimes farms.
Stone walls are unique because they tell us about history; why they were needed and to be so strong. They also tell us about the history of agriculture, development of technology and social history.
For as long as there has been agriculture in England, Scotland and Wales the stone walls have stood tall. The earliest examples date back to around 1600 BC during Bronze Age when they were used for defence against invasions from Scandinavia who settled on these shores centuries before British people did themselves! The stone wall is one of the most distinctive features of England's landscape. Over time stone walls have become an integral part of our history and heritage as is becoming harder to look after as skilled labour is lacking in this department. Many stone walls are now becoming dilapidated.
The stone wall was important because it was made of local materials that were easy to source, they provided structure and support for plants which would normally struggle in the conditions on the steep hills; they used very little metal; there were no solid fences on the farm - meaning more land could be utilised by crops or stock; they looked aesthetically pleasing when standing at a distance; fruit trees could be planted on them (and still can); helps protect against soil erosion caused by wind and rain.
Metal Fencing
The earliest form of fencing was made out of wood and tree branches. Wood was cheap and readily available and it didn't take long before iron came into use in the manufacturing process. The next development in fencing was wire which is mostly used today.
When cast iron became easily accessible around 1795, people started using these materials to make factory-manufactured components for fencing, such as posts and panels. Cast iron had many advantages such as being stronger than wrought-iron or steel; lower production costs compared to other materials; it could also be moulded into a variety of shapes making gates etc much easier to produce. Cast-iron fencing post were cheaper than stone ones because they were lighter and needed less time spent during installation processes. Below is a picture of some cast iron railings.
Metal fencing today is extensively used throughout many countries across the world. Metal fencing has become one of the most popular types of boundary fencing because it provides strength and durability that looks great and can be made bespoke to fit in any area. Metal fencing is durable and has a great life span, it can be used in almost any area and provides great security. Metal fencing is easy to install and is powder coated so it doesn't rust and is very low maintenance.
Wood Fencing
A man called Jean-Jacques Rousseau made the first fence. He was the first man who, having enclosed a piece of ground and claimed ownership with this statement found people simple enough to believe him. Below is a picture of what is believed to be the first wooden boundary fence.
Why wood fencing is the best choice
Wood is a great choice for fencing because wood is easy to source locally most of the time so it doesn't have to be transported long distances, wood also looks aesthetically pleasing in many different areas. Wood is not very expensive and most wood can last for at least 25 years if looked after properly. Wooden fences are low maintenance they only need to be treated every few years with good quality wood-care treatments. Wood fencing is the best type of fence to get now days. It’s beautiful, natural and can be stained or painted any colour you wish. Wood fences also come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your home. If you’re looking for a quality fence that will last for years, wood is definitely the way to go.
Did you know?
- The ancient stone fences of the Bronze Age indicate that these builders did not plan on going anywhere anytime soon.
- The second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius was a man who valued ceremony and tradition above all. He declared that all landowning men should outline their property with stones in honour to one god- Terminalia -to celebrate the newly acquired wealth they had received from a battle won through courage against other tribesmen without fear!
- When ancient Greeks and Romans conquered new land, they would fence it to claim as their own.
- Hedges were a common feature of the Anglo-Saxon countryside and they are known for cultivating hedged crops that helped protect soil, wildlife etc.
- The iconic Virginia Worm Fences were an early American tradition. The sturdy, zigzagging fences did not require any posts to be placed and were easy for settlers who wanted a quick way of fencing in their land claims during colonial times.
- In 1873, barbed wire was invented and used for the first time by ranchers in America's Wild West to keep new settlers from occupying their pasture land.
