CHILDREN fashioned their own weapons and learnt how to storm a castle to mark 800 years since King John’s siege in Colchester.

Around 40 youngsters took part in How To Besiege A Castle workshops on Bank Holiday Monday, and more than 50 had a go at making their own shields and weapons.

King John, aka Mike Mount, was there to give tours of the castle, and Black Knight Historical re-enactment team set up a medieval arena for duelling and entertainment.

The king attacked Colchester Castle in 1216 after he turned his back on the Magna Carta and re-started his war with the barons.

Councillor Tim Young, deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture and regeneration, said: “Colchester’s rich and colourful history continues to delight and inspire the generations – not least the dramatic events in the early Middle Ages, exactly 800 years ago, when King John laid siege to Colchester Castle during the first Baronial War, after the signing of Magna Carta.

“It was wonderful to see so many visitors taking part in activities at the castle to mark such a pivotal event in Britain’s history.”