A NEW online walking route has been developed to tie in with Barnard Castle’s free wi-fi system.
The free History Walk of Barnard Castle went live earlier this week and features more than 300 vintage photos so people can compare how the town has changed over the years.
It works by visitors following the route on their smart phone or device, where they will be able to listen to commentary relating to the 21 blue plaques by late historian Alan Wilkinson, as well as newspaper cuttings about the place or building they are currently in front of.
The walk was designed by Geoff Dixon, who also developed the town’s tourism website which has been viewed 467,000 times.
He had previously designed an app that took people on a tour of the town.
He said: “The old app was limited in space for content and fewer people use apps, but the free town wi-fi has allowed this website version to be totally free and easy to use.
“I discovered so much content.
“I was born in Montalbo Road near the original train station and remember Startforth being in North Yorkshire, but I had not realised the whole town was in Yorkshire at one point.
“I did not know there was a ducking stool down Thorngate, or how Deerbolt got its name either.”
People who use the website while on their walk will also hear tales of the town’s rich and vibrant history including battles, sieges, murders, pillory, ducking stool, cock fighting, illegal weddings, a circus, the gallows, Richard III, conjurors, Charles Dickens and the Roman road.
Mr Dixon said the aim of the walk was to draw more visitors to the town and to keep them here longer so that they spend more money at local businesses.
A short video was also developed to launch the website, which people can view the video at https://youtu.be/ RMQR4y_hBUo.
People can get a link to the walk website by visiting barnardcastle.org.uk
