It was a Tudor takeover at Fitchingfield Guildhall and on the village green at the weekend, in an event that saw residents and visitors journey to the past.

The organisers, local volunteers, and re-enactors from the Companye of Merrye Folke, were all in period costume as part of the two-day event.

The actors wore authentic-style Tudor gear, with linen shirts and woollen skirts, and fur for the gentry.

Upstairs in the original 15th century Guildhall, there was a hive of activity. Stalls displayed Tudor treats, ranging from the traditional drinks of ale and mead to crafts, such as lavender favours and pomanders.

The baker’s stall was popular with Tudor mandrets, small cheese scones, in a bread oven, for visitors to sample.

Visitor Camilla Jarvis summarised the occasion: “Nothing like time travel to broaden the mind.”

The event, now in its second year, was a family occasion, with children’s activities such as marbles, bean bags and a puppet show all proving popular.

Visitor Emma Lawton, said: “The children seem to be really enjoying it. Especially when the Tudor doctor demonstrated how to amputate their dad’s arm.”

The weekend raised about £1,000 towards the upkeep of the ancient guildhall. Kiki Wood, guildhall manager and central to its restoration in 2011, said: “It was all splendid. We were overwhelmed with the number of people who arrived on Sunday afternoon, there were some 600 visitors and some people spent the whole day in the village.

“The feedback we got was so lovely. One German couple said they appreciated all the detail that had gone into the weekend and said: ‘You made us so welcome’.”