More than 1,000 people got a taste of life in ye olde days at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre’s medieval day on Saturday.

The event in Chippenham was the fourth of its kind, during which families enjoyed broadsword demonstrations, making music with medieval instruments and craft activities.

Archives and local studies manager Terry Bracher said: “There was a whole range of things for people to get involved with – the broadsword demonstrations were really popular, and the children also enjoyed making swords, shields and helmets.

“We had some history interpreters, who were popular too. Brother Harold was looking at medieval herbal cures, and sharing stories about medieval life.”

The open day was the centre’s most successful to date, and Mr Bracher was impressed with the number of children who really got into the spirit of the event.

“My favourite part of it last year was that children came along in costume, and this year we had a competition to find the best dressed,” he said.

“We haven’t judged it yet, but there were so many children dressed as knights, kings and queens that we will have a lot to choose from.”