PICTURE Buckland Abbey in the year 1481. No Grenville, no Drake, no Armada yet, but another invasion is taking place.

Over this coming Bank Holiday weekend, August 29 to 31 from 11am to 4.30pm, the Medieval Free Company, a group of itinerant mercenaries, will move in and set up camp, providing a glimpse of life before the famous seamen arrived.

As well as providing protection, they will be demonstrating how life was lived as medieval England drew its last breath.

The event will include everything from fletching, archery and patten-making to dyeing, spinning and weaving; from mysterious herbalism to illegal milling and, of course, occasionally fighting!

There is no additional charge for this event: normal grounds charges apply.

For more details phone Buckland Abbey on (01822) 853607.