Heritage Restoration To Feature 21st Century Digital Interpretation
Heritage restoration work at an important historic site in Warwick is to feature 21st Century digital interpretation.
Over the past 800 years, St Michael’s Place 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. The new interpretation will enable residents, students and those further afield to explore these layers of history in an engaging and accessible way.
Leamington Spa-based digital specialists, Fish in a Bottle, have been commissioned to produce the St Michael’s Place heritage interpretation. The studio has been operating for over twenty years and has built a body of work that ranges from BBC Bitesize educational games and the Science Museum's Wonderlab+ to 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 rich history of St Michael’s Place to life.
“We're delighted to have been appointed to deliver the digital interpretation for St Michael's Place. 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.”
Laura Seymour Managing Director, Fish in a BottleSupporting Traditional Heritage Skills
The digital programme will also support learning among school-age children by highlighting traditional heritage skills such as carpentry, masonry and thatching. Raising awareness of these career pathways aligns with Historic England’s Historic Environment Skills and Careers Action Plan (HESCAPE), which aims to address critical skills shortages across the sector.
“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.”
Laura Seymour Managing Director, Fish in a BottleA Sustainable Future and Community Collaboration
This work 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, to deliver vital repairs and refurbishment to the Master’s House and St Michael’s Chapel. Both are Grade II* listed buildings dating from the 15th century.
In partnership with Warwick District Council, the Trust will restore and convert these long-derelict buildings, unused for over 50 years, into much-needed 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 that local voices play a central role in telling Warwick’s story.
“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. Appointing Fish in a Bottle is a significant milestone, helping us bring the story of this unique and historically important site to life. This project would not be possible without funding from National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Warwick District Council, Historic England, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust and Warwick Town Council.”
Corinne Brazier Chair of West Midlands Heritage"Thanks to National Lottery players, these remarkable medieval buildings will be rescued from decades of dereliction. Their new lease of life will benefit Warwick and complement our other investments in the historic town such as the Lord Leycester Hospital."
Liz Bates Director, England, Midlands & East, The National Heritage Lottery Fund“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 Cabinet priority, preserving an important part of Warwick's heritage while securing its future. I am grateful to the dedication and commitment of the team involved especially those at West Midlands Heritage and the funders for this project.”
Councillor Jess Melrose Portfolio Holder for Housing, Warwick District CouncilWant to find out more about this historic conservation project?
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