Cerne Abbas - 3D Building Scans and Reconstruction Models (Patreon)

Thank you for all those that watched our latest Special episode Cerne Abbas: Secrets Beneath The Giant, and for all your lovely comments about the project. If you haven't seen it yet, you can catch up HERE.

Time now for some 3D photogrammetry models showcasing a selection of building details featured in the final reconstruction graphics, which you can explore in detail on Sketchfab via the links below:

Abbots Porch Tower

Sherborne Cistern Roof

Sherborne Cistern Sink

Special thanks to Matt (Bear) Clark and the Shadow Tor Studios team for creating these scans and models.

More 3D reconstruction models of the finds from the dig coming soon...

TIP

To view all of the 3D models we've released, click on the '3D model' tag on this post or visit the Collection.

SKETCHFAB TROUBLE-SHOOTING

Please also ensure you have a good internet connection - the model may take a few seconds to load. Double click (or double tap screen) to zoom in on an object and then left click drag (finger drag) to rotate around the object to view it  from all angles.

Having trouble accessing the model? For more advice on compatibility of devices and browsers, please visit the Sketchfab Help Centre HERE.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND...

Cerne Abbey was in existence from its founding by Aethelmaer (the Stout) in 987AD until the 15th March 1539AD, when the keys were finally handed over by Abbot Thomas Corton to King Henry VIII. With over 500 years of history to represent, it seemed a daunting task for the Production and Graphics Teams to try and rebuild how the abbey may have looked over that time.

The choice to rebuild the abbey church and building complex primarily in the 13th century could, in its simplest terms, only be based on what was discovered in the trenches. Although there were several phases of rebuilding discovered, it appeared that only 2 significant changes were at play in the archaeology – an earlier church, represented by un-mortared chalk blocks and a later thirteenth century rebuild which represented an apparent increase in wealth and change in style. These latter buildings, although changed and improved over time, would most likely have stood until the Dissolution in 1539AD.

During the 2022 geophysics survey and subsequent excavation seasons, the archaeologists realised that the abbey church and surrounding complex conformed to a similar size and position as those known ten miles away at Sherborne, a contemporary of Cerne.

Using the geophysics, which showed the outline of a cistern within the cloister and abbey complex buildings, it made sense for 3D Expert, Matt ‘Bear’ Clark, to visit Sherborne and scan aspects of the architecture that were a closest fit to Cerne. In fact, many architectural remains discovered in the Cerne trenches can be found still standing at Sherborne including the cistern (scan a and b).

There are 2 buildings that are also still standing at Cerne Abbas. One of these is the later Abbots Lodge (scan c) which was built around 1509AD. This building was scanned by Bear and, although much later in date, helped tie the real site with the one he spectacularly recreated.