Eleanor is an augmented reality walk through medieval Norwich, developed with writer Imogen Hermes Gowar.
Human bones have been discovered in Whitefriars in Norwich. Could they be the mortal remains of the controversial Lady Eleanor Talbot – the woman whose secrets had the power to topple dynasties? This is the central question and search that the project entertains.
Using a combination of augmented reality software (ar:js) and audio, accessible via a specially-devised web app on your phone, the interactive walk blurs the lines between modern and medieval Norwich, fact and fiction, faith and science, in pursuit of the real Eleanor Talbot.
As you explore the half-forgotten city of Eleanor’s time – its ruined monasteries and quiet quayside, its new builds jostling with ancient walls – you will discover history in process. Who writes the past, and how? Where do we get our facts from, and what happens when they are disproved? And can cutting-edge science really transform what we know about this overlooked woman?
Follow Imogen Hermes Gowar’s journey as she seeks to bring Eleanor back to life through fiction, historical documents, and the results of extraordinary new archaeological research. Who was Eleanor Talbot? And what really happened to her?
What conclusion will you draw?
Part podcast, part novel, part diary, this combination of historical fiction and archaeological breakthrough invites the ‘reader’ to observe up close and personal the story-writing process. The walk, which can be taken alone or in a group, at any time of day, is brought to life with geolocative AR and an authentic score by early music specialist Jean-Pierre Rasle. Additional sound track and foley are by Sandy Nuttgens.
There is no app download, access the ‘Outdoor Adventure’ and associated ‘At Home’ experience, by visiting www.mutiny.org.uk/eleanor
Eleanor (2021) is a Mutiny (Sophie Mellor, Simon Poulter and Marcus Romer) production commissioned by University of East Anglia as part of ‘Future and Form’ celebrating 50 years of the University’s creative writing course.
