AT least 200 re-enactors descended on the village of Brampton Bryan, near Knighton, last weekend to mark the 375th anniversary of the English Civil War siege that resulted in the destruction of the village in 1644.

Aardvark Books and Café, at Manor Farm, hosted the event for the fifth time since the biannual re-enactments started in 2010.

The English Civil War Society re-enacted the sieges in the village of both 1643 and 1644.

In the first siege Branpton Bryan Castle was gallantly defended by Lady Brilliana Harley, the wife of the MP Sir Robert Harley, until the Royalists withdrew after six weeks of bloody battle.

But a year later the Royalists arrived again for a second siege when they were successful, resulting in the destruction of the village as it was at that time.

The English Civil War Society brought cannon and a horse, together with their muskets and pikes and their biggest ever Living History Village.

Historians and project committee members, Martin and Penny Hackett staged a large display with models depicting the siege of Brampton Bryan, with the battles of Cefn Carnedd and Mortimer’s Cross also commemorated.

There was also a parade and church service of the time at the village church of St Barnabas, conducted by the vicar, Rev Mike Carling.