History war buffs on target at Whittington Castle - in pictures

More than 100 history enthusiasts descended on Whittington Castle for the annual Napoleonic War re-enactment.

Manager, Sue Ellis, said it is the biggest event in the castle calendar - and this year didn't disappoint.

"This year we has more re-enactors than ever," she said. "We've got someone who had travelled from Cornwall to take part. And obviously the good weather means there's been a good turnout of people watching.

"It's our biggest event of the year and I'd estimate we had about 300 people here on Saturday, which is brilliant."

Viewers were transported back to 1813 following the bloody victory at the breeches of Badajoz and other skirmishes in the peninsula.

It told the story of hundreds of French prisoners of war who were sent back to Britain to be housed in and around Oswestry.

However, a band of local republican sympathisers managed to free several prisoners from their captors and started to run riot in the Shropshire countryside.

They were joined by a band of French insurgents sent on Napoleon's order to cause menace and mayhem.

Hearing the reports, the local mayor sent word to the brigade headquarters asking for help.

Several regiments on home leave were dispatched to quell the invaders who took possession of a stockpile of gunpowder and muskets, and are holed up in the ruins of Whittington Castle.

This year's re-enactment was organised by Andrew Heathcote from Anglesey Hussars and 5th/60th American Rifles.

He said: "We have about 140 people taking part and it takes about six or seven months to organise. It's difficult to put together because the groups are from all over the country so they have to practice separately and hope it all comes together on the day.

"We're all just volunteers who love what we do and provide all of out own kit and gunpowder. It's something you can really get into and at that moment, you can really imagine what it would have been like in the past. This time we were paying homage to all of the POWs.

"I really enjoy it but I'm always happy when it's all over and gone well, then I can relax. Although then we start thinking about next year."

Following the main skirmish, viewers were invited to take a tour of the camps where the reenactors live, sleep and eat during their stay.

Andrew Jones, who watched Saturday's battle with his son, said: "It was great to watch - especially in the setting of Whittington Castle. I think it's a good way to teach children, and adults too, about history. When you watch something like this I think you're more likely to take it in and understand."

The event was made possible thanks to a team of volunteers who keep the castle running on a daily basis.

Jonjo Evans, chairman of the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust is now calling for people to consider volunteering in the future.

"We rely on volunteers to make these events possible," he said. "Without them we couldn't do it. We always need people to help look after the castle, whether it be in the tea rooms, car park or just looking after the outside areas.

"The reenactments are always so popular because they're so well done. The castle actually has it's own reenactment group now which has really built up recently. It's gone from having four members to more than 30 which is wonderful. Lots of people just don't know about it but everyone who gets involved really enjoys it."

To enquire about the Whittington Castle reenactment group or volunteering call 01691 662397.