BATTLE cries rang out as schoolchildren recreated a fateful medieval clash between the English and Scottish armies, which saw thousands of men die.

Armed with wooden swords and shields and wearing medieval-style tabards, about 60 children pupils from two schools took part in the event to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Neville’s Cross.

The event was organised by Dream Community Charity, which is involved with a project to bring the medieval priory of Beaurepaire, near Bearpark, back into use by local residents.

Rebecca Watkins, who is running the project, said: “We’ve been going to schools since September as well as working on the site and we’ve been teaching them some of the local history, as well as preparing them for battle.

“They have really enjoyed themselves today and nobody died, so that was fabulous.

“They need to live history. It means more than when its taught in the classroom. It’s important that people learn more about local history. as there is much more to the subject than just world wars.”

Children from St Joseph’s Primary School in Ushaw Moor and Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs Primary School, in Esh Winning, started with a tour of Beaurepaire, before Paul Martin played them medieval music on period instruments.

They then did a choreographed Morris dance which “turned a bit into a sword attack”.

“Hopefully it won’t be a single day but could become an annual event bringing history alive.”

Pupils of New Brancepeth Primary School who also took part in the project, were unable to attend, but a mini-reenactment may be arrangd for them later.

Yesterday was the the anniversary of the battle, which took place on October 17, 1346, and was part of the Hundred Years’ War and Second War of Scottish Independence.

An invading Scottish army of 12,000 men was led by King David II. The English had already chosen the best ground before the Scots could assemble their army and so the invaders found themselves severely disadvantaged by the terrain.

Despite the battle being evenly balanced for a time, the Scots were out manoeuvred and gradually fled the field, all but abandoning their King, who was captured hiding under a bridge across the River Browney.

The English army, led by Lord Ralph Neville, saw few losses while up to 3,000 Scots are thought to have been killed.

|John Watkins yesterday pretended to be King David and ran for the bridge chased by the children who brought him down with their wooden swords.

Ms Watkins said: “There was no getting them off him.”

Beaurepaire, which was build in the thirteenth century, was destroyed by the Scots and rebuilt in 1346.

The project to rescue the ruins started earlier this year.

So far volunteers have cleared the site of many of overgrown brambles which had been preventing access.

Ms Watkins said: “The more volunteers we can and the more help the better. This site can be a community place for things like a picnic or a venue for events such as for choirs to sing.”

It is hoped the local community will be able to look after the site and will set up a research group to find out more about its history.

The charity is trying to raise money to fund the project. Visit www.gofundme.com/dreamcommunitycharity to find out more.