THE siege that changed the face of Worcester and earned it the Faithful City title has been brought to life by re-enactors.

On Saturday visitors to the Tudor House in Friar Street, Worcester, were transported back to 1643, to the era when the city was about to experience its first English Civil War siege.

Local history enthusiast Paul Harding was on hand to explain how people prepared and how Prince Rupert, nephew of King Charles I, ordered a major redevelopment of the city's crumbling mediaeval defences. "In 1643, Worcester was basically one big building site," said Mr Harding.

"Prince Rupert had drawn up massive plans for Worcester's defences, including reinforcing the walls with mud, redigging ditches and building a small fort on Fort Royal Hill."

Mr Harding said everyone living in Worcester was expected to help implement the plans, and everyone who visited the heritage centre at the weekend was encouraged to get involved too."We gave out shovels to everyone who came and got them to sign up for work.

"It was really busy but it was shocking the number of Worcester people who didn't know about the siege."

Visitors were also able to try on armour and handle weapons from the Civil War period.