MIDDLEWICH jumped back in time on Saturday, as St Michael’s Church was taken over by the Normans.

Re-enactment group Conquest brought history to life at the Hightown church, with weapons, costumes and even food accompanying educational workshops.

The re-enactment brought in visitors of all ages, and also raised the profile of two heritage restoration projects, namely St Michael’s Church and the Venables screens.

Dated 1632 and 1633, the oak screens document around 400 years of Middlewich heritage.

Kerry Fletcher, heritage officer at the town council and heritage trust, said: “It was a great day and all went really well.

“We were trying to get people to learn a bit more about the era of the Normans and the Barons of Kinderton and introduce them to who the Venables were, and the effect they had on Middlewich.

“We also need support for the conservation of the screens. It’s a conservation project to take the screens out of the tower and place them in the main building of the church.

“The re-enactment was getting people into what the era was like at the time of the Venables. It all really gelled together and brought a lot of people through the church.

“Generally we had a lot of interest, and people stayed with us for about two or three hours to get around everything.”

The heritage trust hopes that the project can add further education tools, to help people near and far learn about the rich history of Middlewich.

While groups like Conquest can generate interest and support, the trust will also be applying for grants to add necessary financial backing.

Kerry said: “The reenactors were brilliant, and really knew their stuff – literally, these guys knew everything.

“The kids had a wonderful time dressing up and using chainmail and weapons – obviously child-friendly ones! But they were also learning and understanding more about the era by doing activities, so they got a lot out of it.

“It’s a celebration of Middlewich in the past and how it can also move forward. These screens are important, so what can we do for future generations? If we can get them into the church and do some more research then everyone will benefit.”

It is hoped that CrowdFunding and EasyFundraising profiles will be set up to allow online donations.