Last updated at 12:36, Tuesday, 28 August 2012

THE ‘most feared army in Europe’ set up camp at Muncaster Castle at the weekend.

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Armed with an array of menacing looking weaponry, members of the Red Wyvern Society fought, taught and ate like 15th century soldiers.

As part of Muncaster Castle’s Medieval Weekend celebrations, thousands of visitors were given an insight into life as a member of the Lancastrian army, in the midst of English civil war – the War of the Roses.

Members of the re-enactment group, dressed in costume, spent the bank holiday weekend demonstrating various weaponry, from staves to swords, as well as medieval cooking.

After marching visitors to the castle’s lawn area, the soldiers demonstrated ancient battle techniques.

The clinking of swords and armour delighted the gathered crowds as the soldiers engaged in combat.

And despite a drizzly start to yesterday, following Saturday’s downpour, visitors flocked to the West Cumbria tourist attraction.

Andy Chafe, marketing and operations manager at Muncaster Castle, said more than 2,000 visitors enjoyed the medieval fun.

He said: “The weekend has been absolutely wonderful, with everyone having a great time.

“The re-enactment group have received a tremendous response from the public.

“People have really been able to immerse themselves in medieval life.

“If you look at the site now, with the castle in the backdrop, it could easily be mistaken for a scene out of the medieval era.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from visitors, saying they’ve had a wonderful experience.”

After watching the weaponry masterclass, the army’s ‘knight school’ allowed some of the visitors to have a go at wielding a stave, learning the ropes as rookie Lancastrian soldiers.

Adrian Waite, organiser of the Red Wyvern Society, said: “When you’re interested in something, like our history, you want to share it with others.

“It’s nice to be able to perform in such a historic location because it brings to life what the place would have been like.

“There are all sorts of connections between Muncaster and the War of the Roses.

“I hope the crowds leave here with a greater insight in to our history, and hopefully we might have inspired some to learn more about it.”

First published at 16:14, Monday, 27 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk