Children in Royston stepped back in time at the weekend to battle the high seas and experience life as a true Viking warrior.

Royston Crow: Alix Cooper, Jenny Girling, with Leo and Baiba, a Swedish Valhund, a breed which were original cattle herding dogs.Alix Cooper, Jenny Girling, with Leo and Baiba, a Swedish Valhund, a breed which were original cattle herding dogs. (Image: Archant)

The event went down a storm, leaving the curator of Royston and District Museum delighted with the turnout.

Organiser Jenny Oxley said: “It was a very successful event for the museum with more than 200 people attending.

Royston Crow: Sam Artingstall tries his hand at making Saxon coins.Sam Artingstall tries his hand at making Saxon coins. (Image: Archant)

“The battle demonstrations were particularly popular.”

Gesithas Herred of The Vikings! from Royston and Heydon set up a Viking settlement in the courtyard outside the museum and demonstrated elements of Viking life including musical instruments, food and games.

Royston Crow: Kevin Judd, Bassingbourn, and Ulf Westin, originally from Sweden take to the swordsKevin Judd, Bassingbourn, and Ulf Westin, originally from Sweden take to the swords (Image: Archant)

There were dramatic battle and weaponry shows and visitors were invited to try on the soldiers chain mail shirts and helmets.

Inside the museum, staff and volunteers joined in the fun – dressing in Viking-style clothing and putting on craft activities including making long boats, brooches, and rune puzzles.

Royston Crow: Connor Marshall, part of the Gesithas re-inactment group, which took part in the Viking Open day at the Royston Museum on Saturday, keeps a watchful eye open for marauders. PICTURE: Clive Porter.Connor Marshall, part of the Gesithas re-inactment group, which took part in the Viking Open day at the Royston Museum on Saturday, keeps a watchful eye open for marauders. PICTURE: Clive Porter. (Image: Archant)

The museum’s printing press was also put to work on the day, making prints of the longboats.

Royston Crow: Ann Orjan Westin of Viking descent, dislaying embroidery and dress making skills.Ann Orjan Westin of Viking descent, dislaying embroidery and dress making skills. (Image: Archant)