Thanks to an interactive augmented reality experience developed by researchers at Sheffield University, Sheffield Castle can now be viewed for the first time.
The public will now be able to see a full virtual model of the castle in what is said to be the most accurate visual impression of the castle ever produced.
Developed in collaboration with Sheffield-based creative agency Human and a team led by the university’s Dr Steve Maddock, the experience is based on research by the university archaeologists on material uncovered from excavations at the castle in the 1920s and 1950s.
Project leader professor Dawn Hadley said: “Sheffield Castle was almost completely destroyed during the English Civil War and most of what does remain of its original structure has been hidden away from the public for hundreds of years. This is one of the main reasons why the castle and its history are largely unknown, but now we hope that with the creation of this augmented reality experience people will be able to see the castle in all of its glory and learn more about its fascinating history.”
Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner there for over a decade between 1570 and 1584, before she was executed in 1587. The castle was then destroyed in 1646.
Nick Bax, creative director of Human said: “This formidable medieval castle is an important part of Sheffield’s past that many people are unaware of. We are thrilled to have been involved in returning it to the memory of the city together with academics from the University of Sheffield and hope that it will help to forge a new future for the Castlegate area.”
The AR experience is set to be unveiled for the public to view for free as part of Festival of the Mind, running from 20 – 27 September.
