A NEW interpretation board is to be placed in Oxford’s first industrial suburb to bring the area’s rich history to life.

The panel, telling the story of Jericho, has been designed by architecture students at Oxford Brookes University.

It will explain the heritage of Jericho, from its construction in the late 18th century to a shelved redevelopment project that was drawn up in the 1960s.

The board also touches on the lives of those employed in the factories such as Lucy’s Iron Works and institutions such as St Barnabas Church.

And it gives an insight into the former coal wharves and tallow factory that once occupied Mount Place, where the board will be sited.

Early designs were presented to the council’s central south and west area committee this week for feedback from the community.

Jericho & Osney ward councillor Susanna Pressel said the project had stemmed from initial discussions last year about how the area could be enhanced.

She said: “This interpretation board is to welcome people to the area and is part of wider improvements.

“It will tell them the history of Jericho and what makes it special, recognising the special urban features that have made it a conservation area.”

Aside from its architectural heritage, the area has cultural significance for the city.

Jericho Boatyard, a 160-year-old wharf on the Oxford Canal, was popularised after author Philip Pullman set parts of his bestselling Northern Lights and Lyra’s Oxford books there.

The suburb also featured in the first Inspector Morse television detective drama, The Dead of Jericho, screened in 1987, based on the books by Oxford author Colin Dexter.

Dan Sweeting, a second year architecture student at Oxford Brookes, was among those who worked on the designs.

Mr Sweeting said: “I hope it reveals the strong identity of people in Jericho. The residents are heavily involved in community activities.

“I want people to get an idea of how rich the heritage is.”

In February, Jericho became the city’s latest conservation area, giving the buildings greater protection from redevelopment and placing tighter controls on building and alteration work.