St Peter's Church in Wapley invaded on 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt

More than 900 visitors attended the Medieval Day commemorating six centuries since the battle which saw Henry V’s English and Welsh forces defeat a much larger French army.

With the king’s standard-bearer at the battle in 1415, Sir John Codrington, buried at the church, the free event was organised jointly by members of the Parochial Church Council and Dodington Parish Council to celebrate the connection to the battle.

A procession led by a sword-wielding “knight” carrying a sword held up as a cross got the day’s proceedings underway.

Henry V's royal standard was paraded into the church and a specially designed embroidered tomb cloth was laid on the tomb which was then watched over by an honour guard of re-enactors from the Company of Chivalry, the Richard III Society and others throughout the day.

"We've had extremely positive feedback from visitors, participants and volunteers," said Cllr Paul Hulbert, a member of the organising committee. "The event far exceeded my expectations.

“The good weather meant that we managed to put on everything we had planned, and people were able join in a wide variety of experiences ranging from archery and armour, via bell ringing and beekeeping, to music and storytelling.

"We were particularly pleased to see so many children and young people visiting. Hopefully this will stick in their memories and give them a sense of local history"

The main event finished with a spectacular demonstration of medieval combat, including a "training session" for local recruits to the medieval army – adults and children from the crowd.

Bringing the event to a close, there was an evening church service led by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev Mike Hill dedicated to the memory of all the fallen in all wars, past and present. Amongst the congregation were members of the Codrington family from as far away as Australia.

For more information and pictures from the day visit wapleyagincourt.wordpress.com.