MORE than 1,500 people visited a medieval encampment to mark 880 years since an invading Scottish army was repelled in North Yorkshire.

In August 1138 residents living in and around Northallerton were preparing to flee south with whatever they could carry after refugees from the North-East reported many people in County Durham had been slaughtered or taken as slaves by the Scots.

But on August 22, English forces repelled the Scottish army led by King David 1 of Scotland at Cowton Moor near Northallerton, during the Battle of the Standard.

To mark the anniversary, the playing fields at the former Allertonshire School in Northallerton were recently transformed into a battlefield to give a taste of the era.

It was the first of a series of events supported by Hambleton District Council to mark the milestone.

Visitors saw a display of the Armies of the Standard with a re-enactment of the infantry and cavalry in battle, experienced medieval cooking, listened to storytelling and learnt about the pains of medieval surgery.

Other events to mark the battle include a medieval banquet in the nave of All Saints Parish Church in Northallerton on Wednesday evening (August 22) and a lecture at the Forum in Northallerton by Professor of Medieval History at Glasgow University, Matthew Strickland, who will explore the allegations of barbarism and chivalry from the era. The talk has sold out and there is now a waiting list.

On August 26 an open-air service of commemoration at St Thomas’ Church in Brompton will be held, with the Bishop of Whitby at 3pm.

For further information contact Peter Cole, development officer for communities at Hambleton District Council, on 01609-767212 or facebook.com/Northallerton880