Preston is the first city in the UK to have a free iPhone application celebrating its blue plaque sites dedicated to famous figures from the past.

From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Arkwright, visitors and residents of the city can now use the very latest technology to find out more about Preston’s prestigious past.

You can even take a virtual tour of the blue plaque sites accompanied by your very own virtual blue badge guide, Melvyn Dod.

This pioneering use of new technology which aims to help visitors and residents in the city, has been developed in partnership with Preston City Council, the University of Central Lancashire, JISC and Preston and South Ribble Civic Trust.

Welcoming the launch of the iPhone application, Councillor Ken Hudson Leader of Preston City Council said:

“Once again Preston is at the forefront of new technology and I am delighted the city is embracing and pioneering its use. Millions of people around the world are now using iPhone, iPod, and mobile phones to access the internet to get video, audio, maps and a whole host of money and time saving applications. This is a fantastic way to promote Preston and we are very grateful to the University and the Civic Trust for working with us on this pioneering project.”

Stephen Parkinson – Head of Communications at Preston City Council added:

“We’ve combined the past with the future to bring Preston’s wonderful history alive. We think there will be lots of interest from cities across the UK wanting to use this type of application as a way of promoting tourism and giving visitors access to their own tours as well as a wealth of information about what to see, where to go and what to do. In a few years we’ll all be taking this technology for granted but we’re thrilled that Preston is leading the way.”

Phil Holifield – from the University of Central Lancashire said:

“UCLan was the first University in the country to have its own iPhone application to help students find their way around campus and make the most of everything we have to offer. We’re delighted to have worked on this application for the city as Preston has so much history to share. From a founding father of the USA, to the birth of the industrial revolution and even the suffragettes, Preston has many interesting stories to tell and this technology is just perfect to showcase it. We hope people download and enjoy making use of the application to find out more about Preston.”

Melvyn Dod Blue Badge Tour Guide, added:

“We get lots of people wanting to take guided tours around the city to learn more about Preston and its important role in society. By using new technology in this way we can now bring it to a whole new audience. I never thought I would be a “virtual tour guide” but it’s been a lot of fun. The potential for other cities, museums and tourist attractions to use this technology is simply amazing.”

Background information

• The application uses photographs, audio clips and an online map to highlight the blue plaque sites in and around the city. Online links to Wikipedia to find out further information about the famous person from Preston’s history are also included.
   
• People can find out more about a particular plaque and person, or they can take a tour of the blue plaque sites.
   
• There are also maps and information about the bus and train stations, the Harris Museum & Art Gallery, the Guildhall, shopping facilities, public toilets and the University, all of which is useful to visitors to the city.
   
• The application is free to download and can be used by both iPhone and iPod touch devices. It is available at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/blueplaques/id351336702?mt=8
   
• A website version of the application, which can be used by anyone with access to the internet, can be found at http://www.preston.gov.uk/about/preston-s-blue-plaques/
   

Date Updated: 26/01/10