Showcase | The William Cuningham Map
Challenge
Virtual Past was challenged to provide a framework for interpreting the rich and varied history of Norwich, which was one of the most populous and celebrated cities in England throughout the Middle Ages.
Dominated by its castle and cathedral priory, Norwich ranked as England's second city from the early 1500s until the mid-eighteenth century; and has since remained East Anglia's regional capital. The city still possesses over thirty parish churches, some outstanding examples of domestic architecture, a guildhall, two bridges, Blackfriars (the finest surviving friary complex in England), and two hospitals, all of which were built before the Reformation.
Aims
- Produce map of the city
- Develop content around the Cuningham map
Click the thumbnail images below to view a large version.
Solution
As a starting point for historical interpretation of Norwich in the 1500s, we developed content around the Cuningham Map.
William Cuningham was a 'Doctor in Physicke' who lived in Norwich in the sixteenth century and produced a map illustrating the extent of the city at this time. We used the map as the basis for a historical reconstruction drawing on comprehensive historical research to create an animation that represents the city at this time.
