AN army of some 900 people took to the lanes and footpaths of North Warnborough to visit King John’s Castle and learn about the French invasion of 1216.

Though a much smaller event than the Magna Carta celebrations of 2015, the weekend provided an opportunity for the public to engage with the Feudals Living History Group, which camped between the moats to live as people would have done 800 years earlier.

As well as demonstrations of archery, visitors could also see, touch and learn about food, clothing and weapons of that time. The day included history from cooks and seamstresses to men at arms and bowmen, armourers and an apothecary.

Most popular was the afternoon drill on both Saturday and Sunday for younger children, when they had the chance to immerse themselves in an historic way of life.

­Historians Derek Spruce and Alan Turton also provided guided walks explaining the history of the castle and the people who lived there during the centuries when Odiham was a royal manor with the attraction of a royal deer park.

Across the field, members of Basingstoke Archaeology and Historical Society were in action once more, following up a three-day dig in 2015 that suggested evidence of a causeway or road which ran from Odiham to the castle.

Painstaking and well organised digging by the society excited spectators and the uncovering of an extensive carpet of large, round flint stones was a sight to behold.

John Champion, chairman of the Odiham Society, expressed his thanks to the Basingstoke Archaeology and Historical Society, saying: “Archaeology grips people’s imagination and although North Warnborough has a rich history we could not explore it without the expertise and numbers of the historical society.”

The event was organised by the Odiham Society with the intention of highlighting this fascinating period of history and getting many families and children out and about despite the unseasonably indifferent weather.

Entry and participation was free.

There was also a picturesque journey to the castle, which was by way of a boat trip along the Basingstoke Canal, with the Basingstoke Canal Society providing trips from Odiham Wharf throughout the day.

Mr Champion expressed his satisfaction at the weekend, saying: “It was a free event that brought out people of all ages and also catered for those who are less mobile.

“The 13th Century laid the foundations for today’s democracy and it was gratifying to see the interest aroused among those who came to the castle. I hope we sowed the seeds of motivation for future archaeologists and historians as well as promoting insight and enthusiasm.”