Although it might seem like something out of Game of Thrones, this stunning video reconstruction shows what Liverpool’s medieval castle could have looked like.
It was created by 3D visual artist Toby Niesser, who based the video on an actual physical model of the castle at the Museum of Liverpool, along with plans and drawings he found in books.
The castle was probably built in the 1230s to protect King John’s new port, and was sited at the top of modern-day Lord Street, then the highest point in the city.
READ MORE: Man’s face pouring with blood after street brawl outside bar
This corresponds to present day Derby Square, and a plaque is fixed to the Victoria monument to mark the spot. The design of the Crown Court building was “inspired” by the fact that it is close to the site of the old Castle of Liverpool, while the name Castle Street commemorates the building itself.
By the 16th century, the castle was said to be in an advanced state of decay, and the last remaining ruins were finally removed in 1726.
However, some believe remains of the 13th-century stronghold including dungeons are still underneath Derby Square.
An uncompleted replica of the castle was created in Rivington, near Chorley, in 1912 by soap factory boss William Lever, who also founded Port Sunlight.
Toby Niesser, 36, said: “I came across Liverpool Castle by chance without previously knowing that Liverpool actually had a castle. As most people are not aware of the original location of the castle, apart from the replica in Rivington, I thought it would be good to bring back the castle as accurately as possible for people to see.
“I used the physical castle model in the museum as reference, plus some layout/footprint plans of the castle, which were available online.
“Despite there being some inaccuracies and flaws, it was meant for mainly visual purposes only.
“I was invited by the Museum Of Liverpool to exhibit my reconstruction in Virtual Reality. Both kids and adults enjoyed the experience of being able to walk around the castle and experience the scale of it. It was a pleasurable experience to be able to show off this technology.”
Warrington-based Toby runs his own business specialising in 3D/virtual reality historic reconstructions. It was formerly known as Vivid Virtual Reality but has now rebranded to Experience Digital History.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what’s on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
