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Integrated Circles Brings Murder Trial To Life at The Shire Hall, Bodmin
Integrated Circles Brings Murder Trial To Life at The Shire Hall, Bodmin
Advanced, animatronic feature recreates infamous trial at former Assize Court in Cornwall
Audio visual systems specialist, Integrated Circles, has completed a 6 month project to bring to life the history of the former county court and its holding cells at The Shire Hall, Bodmin in Cornwall.
Formerly the county’s Assize Courts, The Shire Hall was a thriving legal centre, serving the whole of the county. After gaining heritage lottery funding, the Town Council decided to restore the Grade II* listed building to its former grandeur and to bring its history to life with advanced interactive attractions.
The key feature at The Shire Hall is the reconstruction of the famous trial of Matthew Weeks, who was convicted for the murder of his sweetheart Charlotte Dymond in 1844. Scenes from the trial have been vividly brought to life by Integrated Circles using animatronic figures representing the accused, the lawyers, judge and jury, linked with audio narratives of witness’ testimony and lighting effects.
Although he pleaded ‘not guilty’ throughout the trial, Matthew Weeks was found guilty and hanged at Bodmin gaol. There is still speculation over whether the conviction was justified, and at the attraction visitors can themselves decide on Matthew’s guilt or innocence based on the trial’s proceedings, using an interactive voting feature.
The holding house beneath the courts has been restored to reflect the conditions that prisoners experienced in the 19th century whilst waiting for their trial, complete with smells delivered by scent-generating machines.
Stephanie Meads, museum officer said, “The use of animatronics and video film, lighting and audio narrative really brings the trial to life. Visitors see and hear witnesses give their evidence and are able to watch the case unfold over a period of 30 minutes. The audience, having heard the evidence act as members of the jury and vote on Matthew’s guilt or innocence. The concept is to engage the visitor both emotionally and intellectually in the trial and its outcome. Visitors have been stunned by the impact of the display, and made to feel quite emotional. The whole experience is, we believe, very close to what Matthew would have experienced during his trial, and the tension generated really brings the goosebumps out.”
Simon Beer, technical director of Integrated Circles said, “This was a technically challenging installation, with extensive use of animatronic figures and integration of these with audio narrative, complex lighting effects and interactive elements for visitor participation. However, the attraction gives a rich and realistic
flavour of the Shire Hall’s history as the high court for the county.”
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