Hundreds flock to historical Whittington Castle event - in pictures

Whittington Castle, near Oswestry, turned back the clock for its living history event which saw re-enactors arrive in period clothing and uniforms and organising activities for all the family.

The castle hosted groups of re-enactors for a full two days of battle drills and living history.

It was a chance for visitors to travel through history with groups from the Middle Ages right through to the Second World War.

Castle manager Sue Ellis said: “The whole weekend has been brilliant. We have had people come from all over the country to take part. This is our largest event of the year.

“We had groups from across the continents and this year we have gone futuristic as well because a storm trooper has attended.

“There have been groups from the Tudor era, Elizabethan dancers, 18th century red coats, American Civil War, Spanish Civil War and from both World Wars.

“This event is multi-period and is getting bigger and better each year with different groups coming along.

“We are expecting about 500 people over the weekend depending on the weather. It has been so busy today our car park has been full so thank you very much to the school which has provided an overflow car park.

“Also each group has been asked to provide a guard for the castle gates and that changes each hour.

“All the funds raised will go towards the restoration and upkeep of the castle. This is our 10th anniversary year so things are getting a bit tired now and need replacing.”

Visitors were able to see a variety of activities in the main arena including musket firing, tug of war and show and tells about weapons.

Each living history camp was also demonstrating different ways of life from their chosen period.

Sarah Thursfield, trustee of Whittington Castle, was at the event dressed in traditional Tudor clothing.

She said: “We are here today to show textiles, sewing, spinning and food from the 1550s. It is great to see so many different groups from different periods in history coming together for free for the public to come and see.

“It is such a great setting and we have all enjoyed being here this weekend.”

Among the groups were the 19th Indiana Regiment of the American Civil War Society, which showed off some of the weapons used by soldiers in the civil war.

Michelle Smith, part of the 19th Indiana Regiment of the American Civil War Society, had a display of medicines on show for people to see.

She said: “It is such a great event and an amazing setting. It is a great venue. We go to events all over the country and this one is a particular highlight.

“It is nice to see groups from all different periods.

“Being involved in re-enactment makes you value what you have now. It is also great for all the family – we take things seriously but have fun as well.

“In our group we have Freya who is five and has been involved since she was born, she has great fun being outside and getting involved in all the activities.

“There really is something for everyone – we are like a big family.”

And Louise Goddard, from near Oswestry, was at the event dressed in clothing from the Norman period.

She said: “It is a fabulous setting here. I am here doing some tablet weaving today for people to see.

“We are camping here all weekend and it is a great event to be involved in.”

The castle is currently looking for volunteers to help out doing a variety of tasks including in the coffee shop, grounds work, maintenance or gardening.

For more information, go to www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk/news/house-of-the-blackstar---medieval-re-enactors.shtml