Digital Reconstructions
A major part of the AHRC Follow-on project, ‘Glastonbury Abbey: archaeology, legend and public engagement’ was the creation of digital reconstructions with the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture, University of York. Five areas of the abbey were chosen for reconstruction: the Anglo-Saxon Churches, the Cloister, the Abbot’s Complex, the Lady Chapel, and Arthur’s Tomb. The reconstructions drew from extensive research undertaken as part of the Glastonbury Abbey Archaeological Archive Project. The latest techniques in digital reconstruction are combined with detailed archaeological evidence to show how the abbey would have looked in Anglo-Saxon and medieval times.
The reconstructions were created as part of a new, on-site interpretation strategy at the abbey. Onsite touchscreens have been installed at the abbey that encourage visitors to view and interact with the reconstructions. Information and illustrative material is also provided alongside the reconstructions to provide visitors with context on the abbey, its archaeology and history. The abbey’s Living History Guides also have the digital reconstructions on computer tablets to aid and illustrate their site tours.
>> View the digital reconstructions of Glastonbury Abbey
Responses from spiritual stakeholders to the digital reconstructions: