THE 400th anniversary of the birth of General George Monck was celebrated with feasting, music and dance at his birthplace near Merton.

The barn at Great Potheridge was the venue for the event on Saturday September 12, with music being provided by a period band. A Grade 1 Listed building, Great Potheridge House was the ancestral home of General Monck and the Great Barn was built by him to house 40 horses.

Those attending the event had a great time and were able to experience a taste, literally, of life in the 17th century at the hog roast and barn dance.

The weather was fine, allowing the fire and hog roast to take place in the courtyard of the barn while the dancing was inside.

One of the dances was a version of the General Monck March, possibly the first time it had been danced in the barn.