HUNDREDS of people went back in time this weekend as they gathered in Chippenham for the town’s Medieval Day.

The tented medieval village was officially opened by Chippenham Mayor Terry Gibson in the Market Place, where people had the chance to watch historical re-enactors from the Medieval Combat Society do battle.

There was also the chance to try on medieval armour, view period objects and enjoy some Morris dancing at the event, which took place on Saturday (July 23).

Previously held inside the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, the free Medieval Day was moved onto the streets of Chippenham by the town council in the hope of attracting more people.

“I was very happy with it, the Medieval Combat Society were excellent and we had a steady stream of people,” said Andrew Skelton, education officer for Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre.

“They had lots of interest with people coming up to them and asking about their weapons and asking about the history of the area.

“I spoke with some businesses in the area and they were very happy with it, one was saying they had seen their revenue had increased.

“We had over 200 people just going through the museum but not everybody was going in our museum so there were quite easily over 1,000 people who came to the medieval village.”

Chippenham Mayor, Councillor Gibson, added: “It was an increase in size from the one last year and I think it was regarded as successful.

“There’s a hope that maybe we can do it again next year.”