Ref. 29525-19IS the pen mightier than the sword? Children were given the chance to decide for themselves at a hands-on experience at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road.

They learnt about the origins of writing from a monk called Brother Harold, played by Philip Carr, 54, while Sir Richard Kerr Chris Carr, 18 shared his knowledge of warfare.

The father and son team from the Forest of Dean run a company called History People. They dress up as characters from the past to bring it to life.

As well as the chance to try their hand at calligraphy, youngsters got up close to a variety of weapons such as a Celtic sword and 17th century rapier.

Philip said: "This debate has been going on for thousands of years and it is still relevant today. Do you try and get your way by force by blowing people up or do you follow the democratic process through debate and persuasion hence is the pen mightier than the sword?"