Village goes back in time

9:20am Tuesday 8th July 2008

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THOUSANDS of people were transported back in time as they helped raise money for the upkeep of St Mary's Church in Steeple Ashton at the weekend.

The village hosted a 17th century fair on Sunday, attended by around 2,000 people, as part of a weekend of events to boost funds to restore the 15th century building.

The weekend was opened on Friday evening in spectacular style with lasers being used to re-create the missing church spire, which fell down in 1670 after violent thunderstorms, and again a year later during re-building work, killing two workmen, One of the highlights of the weekend was a 17th century banquet on Saturday evening and the re-enactment of a bloody Civil War skirmish on Sunday afternoon.

Visitors were also treated to two drill displays on the village green, the first of which was the First Foot Guards of Monmouth's rebellion of 1685 (pictured).

Volunteer charity The Sealed Knot sent 100 people to dress in period costume and show visitors what life was like in Stuart England at the event.

Visitors were also entertained by falconry demonstrations, archery and clog dancing.

There was a children's costume competition, arts and crafts stalls and traditional games, along with a Wiltshire farmers' market.

The event was organised by St Mary's Steeple Ashton Preservation Trust, who want to make improvements to the church.

These would include repairing gargoyles and installing a new sound system, which would cost around £20,000.

Primary organiser Jo Campbell said: "I'm a trustee of St Mary's and this was my baby. I just wanted to have an other-worldly weekend."

The re-enactments on the village green were held opposite the house where Judge Jeffreys reputedly lived in the 17th century.

Judge Jeffreys was known as "The Hanging Judge" for the harsh sentences he dealt following Monmouth's rebellion.

The Steeple Ashton event also took place not far from the scene of a major battle of 1643 at Roundway Down, two miles north of Devizes, when royalists routed parliamentary forces.

• For the full story and photos see this Friday's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News