HISTORY fans turned back the clock at the weekend to re-enact a famous period of local history in the Basingstoke area.

Roundheads and Cavaliers lined up against each other as Sealed Knot members brought the Civil War siege of Basing House back to life in a colourful and noisy spectacle.

The Basing air was filled with the roar of cannons, gunshots and drums as the Sealed Knot enthusiasts vividly re-enacted the fall of Basing House on the very same field it happened.

The annual battle, or "muster", heralds the opening of the historic house to the public for the spring and summer.

More than 100 people from various regiments all dressed in costumes of the period for the two-day event. The Sealed Knot members came from Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset and Cheshire, with many from Basingstoke itself.

Hundreds of people flocked to witness and enjoy the re-enactments, which took place on Saturday and yesterday. The crowds also got a flavour of what life was like during the mid 17th century as the Sealed Knot members set up stalls showcasing the period's food, clothes and weapons.

Keith Allmark, commanding officer of Colonel Stephen Hawkins' Regiment which hosted the event, said: "The aim of the Sealed Knot is to raise the profile of the Civil War, and teach people about it. We normally draw good crowds and people seem to enjoy it."

The local Sealed Knot members will next do battle in Weston-super-Mare in May. The Sealed Knot - which formed in 1968 - has 5,000 members in total and performs across the country and in Europe.