Introduction to Plymouth’s 14th Century Defences
Historians have been working to recreate Plymouth’s early defences using augmented reality (AR). This project has been led by Peter Holt from the Ships Project, who has spent two years researching the story of the fort and chateau that when protected the Barbican and harbour within the 1300s. The goal of this project is to bring to life the history of Plymouth’s defences, which had been largely forgotten.
The History of Plymouth’s Defences
The defences were constructed across the time of the Hundred Years’ War to guard the prosperous port from French invaders. The historian, Peter Holt, has written a book called Plymouth Castle and Barbican Rediscovered as a part of his research. He notes that a lot of Plymouth’s records are missing, which has made it difficult to uncover the early history of town. However, by utilizing old maps, documents, and knowledge of architecture on the time, geospatial historian Chris Harvey has been in a position to create computer models and pictures of the 2 structures using AR.
Recreating the Past with Augmented Reality
Chris Harvey focuses on recreating the past using augmented reality and has produced three-dimensional computer images of among the city’s lost buildings. He has created AR interpretations of the Barbican Fort, the Castle Quadrate, and the chain boom that may be hoisted up when under attack to stop ships entering the harbour. These images have helped to form an image of what town’s early defences looked like. Mr. Harvey notes that it’s an exciting process, especially when clues and things just line up.
The Importance of Plymouth’s Defences
The tower missed the harbour entrance, protecting the port which had change into wealthy trading wine, wool, and fish. The people of Plymouth were frightened that the French would come over, raid the place, bring ships, come into Sutton Harbour, and take anything they wanted. This began within the 1300s, and so they got here in and set fire to Plymouth about 4 times. As a result, town had to start out constructing defences, including the Barbican, chain boom, and fort. The Castle Quadrate was built further up the hill than the unique fort and was much larger to provide the harbour higher protection.
Uncovering the Past
Mr. Holt notes that with so few records or drawings, it was documentation referring to the acquisition of a ship’s mast and a sequence that had helped to form an image of what town’s early defences had looked like. He also notes that uncovering this history and telling the story to the people of Plymouth gives town a way of place. It reminds people who Plymouth is de facto old and that its history didn’t start with the Mayflower.
Conclusion
The recreation of Plymouth’s 14th-century defences using augmented reality is an exciting project that has helped to bring town’s history to life. By using old maps, documents, and knowledge of architecture on the time, historians have been in a position to create computer models and pictures of the 2 structures. This project has not only helped to uncover the past but additionally given town a way of place and reminded people of its wealthy history. The use of augmented reality has made it possible for people to visualise and interact with town’s lost buildings, making history more accessible and fascinating for everybody.
