Heritage, Health and Wellbeing

Heritage, Health and Wellbeing

Heritage, Health and Wellbeing

PHP has a long-term, ongoing relationship with Powderham Castle undertaking a range of experimental interpretation projects including LGBT Powderham. Following new research into the life of 3rd Viscount, William Courtenay, led by Dr Alan Butler, PHP and Powderham worked with Pride in Plymouth to develop new interpretation that tells the story of his life at Powderham and eventual exile in America. By drawing out the hidden histories of Powderham, we hope to speak to under represented audiences such as the LGBT+ community and show a country house like Powderham has a history of diversity. In 2023, MA Heritage students developed new LGBT training toolkit for guides. Through our ongoing archival and physical investigations into the history of Powderham Castle we have developed a series of interpretation pathways including exhibitions and events designed to engage with different audiences including disability groups, schools and Pride in Plymouth. For each group we have identified a story and site drawn from our research that that members of that group can identify with and find a connection to a past they may not feel is theirs.