VIDEO: Step back in time and explore Elsecar's Victorian village in stunning digital reconstruction

The hi-tech computer model of Elsecar was highly commended at the Museums + Heritage Awards in London in the category of “Best Use of Digital”.

The awards celebrated the best in the world of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions both in the UK and further afield.

The digital reimagining and animation of Elsecar in Victorian times shows what the village was like 140 years ago, thanks to the efforts of local volunteer historians, national experts and a skilled digital creator.

In its heyday, Elsecar was an international centre of iron and coal, proudly shown off to royalty by the aristocrats of nearby Wentworth Woodhouse.

The animation shows busy ironworks, collieries, canal boats, long-gone smokey chimneys and vividly captured street scenes.  

Barnsley Council’s head of culture, Jon Finch, said: “The shortlist of nominees for this award shows the incredible range of work being done digitally by museums and heritage organisations.   

“We are delighted to have been recognised in such a prestigious award and would like to thank our team, dedicated volunteers, and funders for making this project a reality.   

“Thousands of hours of work have gone into the digital reconstruction making a truly breath-taking experience, reliving historic places and experiences in ways previously unimaginable before.”