The more cultured side of the marauding Vikings was on show at Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes on Sunday.

The museum staged one of its popular family days and some 430 people enjoyed meeting members of the Temesvikings re-enactment group from London.

Museum education officer Ali Rushent said: “They set up a fur-lined tent and did a series of mini talks with members of the public who came along.

“The topics they covered were food, weapons and crafts. The Vikings are often seen as merciless marauders who would kill everyone in sight. But that is based on accounts from monks of the time, who were, of course, biased.

“They were quite fierce but very artistic, which is a side of them that is often forgotten.”

She added: “We are delighted with the number of people we had along. It was quite hectic. It is not the most people we have had to a family day, but it is certainly a very good start to the year.”

Visitors of all ages enjoyed activities, including making a Viking shield, a mini long boat and wrist bands, all of which they were able to take home afterwards.

The next family day will be on Sunday, July 25.