New accessible interpretation panels for Nunnaminster
Conservation and maintenance works have been carried out at a valued historic site in Winchester.
Nunnaminster, which was later known as St Mary's Abbey, is located in the heart of Winchester city centre beside Abbey House and Gardens.
Its original mounted interpretation panels have been replaced with freestanding panels at a lower level, offering better accessibility. The new panels also include raised detailing and Braille to assist those with sight loss and a QR code which links to a screen-reader friendly version of the text, a glossary of terms and links to further reading.
Weeding, sensitively tailored to the nature of the site, has also taken place.
The Nunnaminster site, which can now be seen below street level, was one of Winchester's three great Late Saxon royal monasteries. Founded by Queen Ealhswith, Alfred the Great's wife, in 903, it became one of the foremost centres of learning and art in England. Between1981 and 1983, archaeological excavations carried out on the site revealed its extensive history.
The new panels have been installed with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture Councillor Lucille Thompson said: “I am thrilled to see the new interpretation panels installed at the Nunnaminster site. The site is an important landmark in Winchester’s history and the accessibility of these panels will ensure more people are able to learn more about its significance for many years to come.”