THE RESTORATION of an historic site in Warwick will include a 21st century digital interpretation.
Over the past 800 years, St Michael’s Place in Saltisford has evolved from a medieval leper hospital to alms houses and Chapel with a Master’s House, and even partial conversion at one time to a blacksmith’s workshop, before the entire site fell into disuse and stood emty and neglected for decades.
The hi-tech interpretation aims to allow residents, students and those further afield to explore these layers of history in an engaging and accessible way.
Leamington-based digital specialists, Fish in a Bottle, has been commissioned to produce the St Michael’s Place heritage interpretation. The studio has been operating for over 20 years and has built a body
of work that ranges from BBC Bitesize educational games and the Science Museum’s Wonderlab+ to and science communication interactives in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Working closely with the local community, Fish in a Bottle will create an immersive digital experience to bring the history of St Michael’s Place to life.
The digital programme will also support learning for schoolchildren by highlighting traditional heritage skills such as carpentry, masonry and thatching. Raising awareness of these careers aligns with Historic England’s Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan (HESCAPE), which aims to tackle critical skills shortages.
Laura Seymour, managing director, Fish in a Bottle commented: “The site has an extraordinary history, and we’re excited to work alongside West Midlands Heritage, local schools and the wider community to help bring those stories to life for as many people as possible.
“Through the project, we’ll be creating an experience that can be explored in schools, at home and at community events, enabling people to connect with the heritage of St Michael’s Place in new and engaging ways.
“We’re particularly excited by the opportunity to showcase the traditional skills, crafts and careers that have shaped and preserved historic places for generations, inspiring young people to see heritage not just as something to learn about, but something they could one day be part of.”
The two Grade II listed buildings stood empty and neglected and were for on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register for decades until Warwick District Council stepped in with a Compulsory Purchase Order in 2021.
The £2.8million restoration project is made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Heritage Fund is supporting West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, part of West Midlands Heritage,
In partnership with Warwick District Council, the trust will restore and convert these long-derelict buildings, unused for over 50 years, affordable rent homes, securing a sustainable future for the site.
Community engagement is a core part of the project. Volunteers, local groups and schools will be invited to take part in workshops and events to help shape the digital interpretation, ensuring local voices play a central role in telling Warwick’s story.
Corinne Brazier, chair of West Midlands Heritage said: “We are thrilled to have reached this important delivery stage for St Michael’s Place after years of hard work and incredible support from the local community.”
Warwick District Council housing spokeswoman Coun Jess Melrose added: “It is great news that work is finally starting to bring the Chapel and Master’s House back into use. This has been a key priority, preserving an important part of Warwick’s heritage while securing its future.”
Visit wmhbt.org.uk/blog/masters-house-and-st-michaels-chapel-saltisford-warwick to find out more about the project.
Representatives of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, West Midlands Heritage, Warwick District Council, and project architects BHB Architects, on site at the scaffolded Master’s House.
St Michael’s Chapel (foreground) and the Master’s House will finally be getting some much-needed tlc.
