Explore Saltram with HistoryScapes
We are excited to announce the launch of HistoryScapes, a new app that brings the history of Saltram to life. Saltram is one of three National Trust properties selected to participate in this pilot project, alongside Surrey Hills Hindhead and Quarry Bank. Developed in partnership with the University of Exeter, HistoryScapes aims to help visitors explore historic landscapes and learn more about the history of the places the National Trust cares for. The pilot is part of the National Trust’s ambition to improve access to history, heritage and nature.
What is HistoryScapes?
HistoryScapes is a GPS-based app that takes you on a journey back in time, immersing you in the sights and sounds of Saltram in the late 18th century. The pilot project is led by the National Trust’s Historic Environment and Visitor Experience teams and supported at Saltram by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. From September 1 to April 30, you can explore Saltram’s parkland and gardens through this unique mobile storytelling experience.
As you explore Saltram, you’ll be guided by the character of Henry Stockman, a local carpenter who worked on the estate in the summer of 1775. Henry's narrative provides a unique perspective on life at Saltram, moving between the world of the estate’s hired labourers and the grandeur of the Parker family. Follow Henry on his walk around the estate, where he checks up on his workmen, shares stories of the past, and introduces you to the people who lived and worked here.
Key themes explored in the app
HistoryScapes delves into several fascinating themes:
- Global trade: Discover Saltram's historical connections to worldwide trade via the river and learn how global influences shaped the estate.
- Pleasure ground: Explore the garden and parkland's role in leisure and pleasure, highlighting the importance of these green spaces to the people who lived here.
- Labour and class: Gain insights into the social dynamics of the estate, focusing on Henry’s unique role and the relationships between the workers and the Parker family.
How to use the HistoryScapes app
Using the HistoryScapes app is easy:
1. Download the app: Head to your app store and download the HistoryScapes app, or scan the QR codes available on our information board at the start of Riverside Walk on estate. It is advised to download the app on your home Wi-Fi before your visit, as you there is no public Wi-Fi at Saltram. You can download the app from the Google store here and from the Apple store here. Once the trail is downloaded onto your phone, there is no further network connectivity required.
2. Start your journey: Go to the HistoryScapes information board at the start of the Riverside Walk, located at the bottom of the car park (What3Words: ///pots.scale.hooked). Launch the app, tap start, and listen to the prologue to begin your journey.
3. Explore Saltram: The app features a self-guided trail around Saltram’s parkland. Use the on-screen map to navigate, and the app will automatically notify you when you reach each information point.
4. Immerse yourself: Listen to Henry’s stories and learn about Saltram’s rich history as you walk through the beautiful landscapes. The trail takes one to two hours to complete.
Bringing the summer of 1775 to life through the eyes of a working person like Henry has been a pleasure – taking research and presenting it in the first person like this gives a whole new way of sharing Saltram’s rich heritage. We hope our visitors enjoy seeing a place they know and love from this new perspective.
Give your feedback
We’re excited to share this new way of experiencing Saltram and would love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback will help us improve the app and enhance access to heritage and nature for everyone. We will soon be launching an online survey, but for now you can send your feedback to futuresaltramproject@nationaltrust.org.uk. You can find out more information about HistoryScapes here.
Visit our Future Saltram page
HistoryScapes is the latest in a series of projects delivered by Saltram as part of the National Trust’s aim to connect more people with nature and heritage. In July 2023, Saltram was granted £240,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for development phase works, which has led to the testing and trialing of numerous capital and activity projects at the estate.
This first phase is part of our much wider Future Saltram project. Over the next eighteen months, we will be doubling the amount of free-to-access country park at Saltram. Spanning 32 hectares (79 acres) — equivalent to 45 football pitches — on the eastern side of the 213 hectare (528 acre) estate, this ambitious project aims to create a vibrant, accessible green space for community wellbeing and engagement, as well as providing a boost for nature.
Over the next 10 years, we want to make Saltram a place which welcomes everyone and where the communities of Plymouth can find meaningful connections to history, heritage and nature. You can send any other feedback and suggestions to futuresaltramproject@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Visit the Future Saltram page here.
Future Saltram: Investing in heritage, nature and wellbeing in Plymouth
The future looks bright at Saltram. Find out more about the work we are doing in partnership to ensure Saltram continues to meet the growing needs of Plymouth's communities. Discover our vision for the Saltram and keep up to date with our progress here.