Samlesbury Hall played host to its first skirmish yesterday with visitors seeing a spectacle of medieval history.

Throughout the day visitors were treated to medieval actors performing events such archery, a cannon firing and a Mummer’s play – a traditional English folk play.

Mummer's play, a traditional English folk play was performedMummer's play, a traditional English folk play was performed (Image: Samlesbury Hall)

More than 600 visitors went to the hall, which dates to 1325, to engage with the re-enactments and learn all about that period in history.

It was free of charge with guests opting to provide voluntary donations to pay for the hall's upkeep instead.

Sharon Jones, the hall's director, said: “It is so important for such an old landmark of Lancashire to take the history out to the people completely free of charge.

“It was great to see all the children enjoying the day and all the engaging with the actors.

“It is hard work for all of us here but to stand back and see that happen in Samlesbury Hall is what it’s all about and it makes it all worthwhile.”

Sharon added that events throughout the day also provided brilliant opportunities for children and adults alike to learn about their social history and how it can shape their understandings of contemporary Britain.

Medieval actors engaged with children all afternoonMedieval actors engaged with children all afternoon (Image: Samlesbury Hall)

She added: “We want people to come and enjoy and learn from the hall itself, so when we got the opportunity to bring medieval actors in it, it allowed us to teach them the history of the hall but also what was going on during those periods

“We want people to learn about not just the architectural history but also the social history and what can be learnt with what is happening now and how things were.

“We want people to have a lovely time here but also to learn something as well.”

After the success of Monday's event, the hall intends to make the Skirmish an annual tradition for all history enthusiasts.