A virtual reconstruction of a Cumbrian castle has been completed so people can have a more immersive look into how it may have looked in the late 15th century.
At this chosen point of history, the third and final stage of major building works was completed under the stewardship and guidance of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who later became Richard III, while staying in the nearby Dockray Hall.
It incorporates the part of the castle most familiar to passers-by – the Red Tower – and an assemblage of standing features which, in general, visitors find difficult to understand.
It was deemed necessary to start the process of identifying spaces in the castle from scratch with a review of all the sources available, including several 16th-century surveys and antiquarian images.
A spokesperson from the Castle Studie Trust, which funded the project, said: “The surveys mention buildings and spaces with attendant measurements, but the details are misleading.
“The missing portions of the site fabric today prohibit confidently identifying spaces such as a hall, chamber, kitchen, accommodations etcetera.
“Certain architectural features survive which can help, but a convincing and comprehensive site-wide reconstruction was not achievable.”
The reconstruction is populated with a scene from its tenure by Richard of Gloucester – a meeting of castle staff with tenants and poor folk to hear pleas.
Will Wyeth, properties historian at English Heritage, said: “The remains of the castle can be difficult to understand, but we hope that this new image will shed light on its medieval heyday.
“Thanks to the artistic skill of Pete Urmston, the insight of English Heritage volunteer Joanna, and a generous grant from The Castle Studies Trust, we have brought medieval Penrith Castle to life.”
The work was completed by Pete Urmston, in collaboration with Dr Wyeth.
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