VISITORS to the Commandery in Worcester this weekend could have been forgiven for thinking they had stepped back in time.

They were greeted by Worcestershire militiamen who were defending their positions during a re-enactment to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester.

The event was part of the opening of a new 17th Century Living History camp at the Commandery, which charts the day to day lives of soldiers and civilians during the Civil War.

A two-week festival starting on Wednesday, August 22, the day Charles II rode into the city, will commemorate the Battle of Worcester.

Celebrations will culminate on Monday, September 3, with the unveiling of a memorial garden at the Commandery, dedicated to all the soldiers who served in the Civil War.

"Last weekend's re-enactment was part of a series of small-scale events which will take place throughout the summer leading up to the main festival in August," said Paul Harding, senior assistant at the museum.