Lost Lincoln buildings to be brought back to life through virtual Google 3D model

Work has begun to create a Google 3D virtual model that will bring the city’s lost medieval buildings back to life.

The project, which is part of the Lincoln Cathedral Connected project, will recreate a number of buildings that once surrounded Lincoln Cathedral.

The Old Deanery and Works Chantry, which hundreds of years ago used to stand where the existing Deanery building is today, will be recreated by using 18th and 19th century drawings and plans produced by artists and historians.

Deanery at Lincoln by Samuel Hieronymus Grimm 1784

The 3D model, which will be completed in June this year, will allow viewers to ‘stand’ in a virtual courtyard and see 360 degree panoramic views of the two Medieval buildings and can be accessed via Google Maps on a PC, laptop, iPad or a smartphone.

The 3D modelling is being developed by Pighill Archaeological Illustration and Lincoln-based firm Allen Archaeology Ltd.

Peter Lorimer, founder of Pighill Archaeological Illustration, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to recreate some of Lincoln’s lost heritage.

“Through virtual means, people will be able to explore not seen before imagery of the courtyard to the north of the Cathedral that was once packed with buildings, archways and gates.

“Lincoln Cathedral is an iconic building throughout the UK and it was an unmissable opportunity for us to reconstruct artwork of a site so historically rich.”

Anne Irving, programme manager of Lincoln Cathedral Connected, said: “Enhancing visitor experience is at the heart of the Connected project and this fascinating piece of work is part of that vision.

“This innovative virtual reconstruction, which will be based on real objects and artist impressions from the 19th century, as well as documentary evidence and archaeological discoveries we have made over the years, is just one of the many projects we are working on which aims to engage the local people and visitors from further afield in the vibrant history of this wonderful building.

“Nothing like this has been done in the Cathedral Close before and we’re very excited for the interpretation to be revealed this summer.”

The Old Deanery was originally the residence of the Dean of Lincoln and the building housed a college of four priests who sang masses for the soul benefactors who had made donations towards the fabric of Lincoln Cathedral.

Most of the building, which stood round a courtyard, was demolished in the early part of the 19th century to give a better view of the cathedral.

Fragments of the chapel that face Eastgate still survive.