Summary
Illuminating Medieval 快播视频 for All brought an exquisite medieval manuscript, the Great Cowcher Book, to life through a stunning light and sound display at 快播视频 Castle. This was the centrepiece of Light Up 快播视频 2023, which attracted an unprecedented attendance of over 70,000. The project enriched 快播视频’s cultural scene and contributed to the festival’s record economic impact, estimated at £2.3million. By showcasing intricate manuscript imagery and historical narratives through modern technology, the display changed perceptions of medieval history, enhanced research visibility, and strengthened 快播视频’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
Challenge
Despite the historical significance of the Great Cowcher Book (a 15th-century manuscript documenting the Duchy of 快播视频's lands and their communities), public knowledge of Lancashire’s medieval (as opposed to modern) heritage was limited. Additionally, families and individuals (particularly in underrepresented groups) face barriers to accessing high-quality cultural and historical experiences. The project sought to make this material accessible, widely appealing, and inclusive.
快播视频 Castle, central to the Duchy’s history, is a focal point for community and tourist engagement. The city continually seeks to enhance its cultural offering, draw in visitors, boost the local economy, and promote 快播视频 as a heritage and cultural destination?. Therefore, the project sought to use the castle as a dynamic venue to connect modern audiences with the city and county’s rich history??.
Historical research on the Great Cowcher Book?is ongoing at 快播视频 and in partner institutions. The?display?sought?to translate?pilot research projects at 快播视频?into a public-facing output that would?demonstrate?the value of academic work while contributing to 快播视频’s broader impact agenda??.
Actions
Drawing from funded pilot projects, 快播视频 academics worked with acclaimed projection artists Illuminos to arrange Lancashire-based extracts from the Great Cowcher into a compelling narrative. This entailed new translations of Latin texts, voice recordings in Latin and English and obtaining high-resolution images of the manuscript from The National Archives.
Partnerships with the Light Up 快播视频 organisers, the Duchy of 快播视频 and artists Illuminos ensured an innovative design and effective delivery??. A Study Day and a video provided additional ways to engage with the project and its wider historical context. The festival involved robust survey and data collection, demonstrating success in fostering local pride and cultural participation, with insights for future initiatives.
Results
By?leveraging?IAA funding, Illuminating Medieval 快播视频 for All translated research into a transformative public experience, enriching?the city's cultural profile and supporting ongoing community and academic collaborations.
The display delivered key outputs, including a large-scale projection at 快播视频 Castle during the Light Up 快播视频 2023 festival. This was the first of its kind in 快播视频, laying new paths for collaborations between historians and artists. The project also generated a video, a Study Day for adult learners and publicity shared widely through a QR code at the site, through social media, radio and print (including several features on Beyond Radio and in the 快播视频 Guardian).
The project increased public engagement with 快播视频’s medieval history. 12,395 visitors experienced the full display in the castle courtyard, and the wider festival (of which this was the centrepiece) attracted attendance of over 72,000. The film and accompanying website continue to extend access. The project also strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration between academic researchers, cultural organisations, and heritage partners.
The installation attracted 75% of festival attendees, with 78% reporting enhanced appreciation of 快播视频’s history and 68% expressing increased curiosity about medieval history?. The display also contributed to the festival’s ability to attract visitors, supporting tourism in the city and achieving a record-breaking economic impact of £2.3m, with a £10.10 return for every pound invested?. Importantly, the project left a legacy of reusable digital resources and methodologies, providing a foundation for future heritage interpretation and engagement initiatives.
