The world of the Mowbrees has come to Northallerton – a magical but mysterious family of hobs.
Users of an interactive reality trail are being invited to search out each member of the hob family and help them to do good deeds as well as join in with their mischief.
For centuries, people in Yorkshire have told stories about a group of elfin-like magical creatures called hobs – and through the new online trail their world is coming to life in Northallerton. The Mowbrees – mum Milly, twins Violet and Spike, grandpop Tinker and uncle Trover – take people on a journey around the town centre as they stop at eight locations.
It is the second augmented reality trail to be added to the Discover Northallerton app. The first transports people back in time to discover the history of Northallerton through a series of portals to the past.
Using a smartphone app, that trail guides visitors through the market town, visiting places of historical interest along the way – including the former Bishop of Durham’s Palace, the Tickle Toby Yard, the site of a Georgian theatre, and the Golden Lion, a coaching inn midway between London and Edinburgh on the Great North Road.
It uncovers hidden stories of the fascinating people and events that shaped the market town over the centuries – Henry Rutson, who donated the former Rutson Hospital, Bishop Beck, who lived in a palace at the site of the current town cemetery, and Charles I, who was held prisoner at the Porch House in 1647.
The trails have been developed as part of the Northallerton High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme in partnership with Historic England.
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “These trails allow users to immerse themselves in Northallerton’s rich heritage, bringing to life historical characters, events, and places as well as the fictional Mowbree family of hobs.
“They have been developed to suit people of all ages and we hope will attract visitors to the market town to see what is in store there.”
To access the trails, download the Discover Northallerton app on your phone. Some features may not be possible on phones that do not support ARKit ARCore. Check on compatibility on Android devices or iOS devices.