Strolling through Sefton Park, people may be surprised to stumble across a scene from Britain's long-distant past, as medieval knights face one another in deadly armed combat.
Every Sunday, members of the Historia Normannis Liverpool group arm themselves with swords, shields, maces, and other 12th century weaponry as they prepare for historical re-enactments at various castles, parks and village shows throughout the summer months.
The group prides itself on being Britain's foremost 12th-century living history group, with freemen, craftsmen, ladies of the court and Barons of the realm forming its ranks, along with the popular knights.
READ MORE: Judge turned killer 'conned mental health workers' into thinking he was getting better
Regional quartermaster Phillip Smith, who runs the Liverpool branch, said: "We travel around the country, usually in the summer, to different castles and events and do living history displays, where our members will dress up in 12th century clothes, cook 12th century food, and generally live like they were in that period. We also do combat re-enactments.
"The weapons range from knives, axes, clubs and maces to big pole axes, swords and spears. We use any weapon that was around in the 12th century, including bows and crossbows, and we have a battering ram and a few catapults.
"The 12th century was underrepresented in historical re-enactment societies, which are mostly focused on the Vikings. But there's actually a very interesting period of time after the Vikings, with all the anarchy of the crusades and rebel uprisings. There are several hundred of us now all over England, and we even have a group in Brittany."
As well as re-enacting the mst prominent battles of the 12th century, Historia Normannis members also take part in unscripted competitive battles in chainmail and armour - which they craft themselves.
Blacksmithing, leatherwork, shield crafting, sewing, embroidery and cookery all form part of the authentic 12th century experience.
Phillip said: "It attracts all kinds of people, from sporty guys who like martial arts to nerdy people who prefer reading and crafting. People with history degrees tend to do it quite frequently, but we have all types of people from all walks of life. I'm a software designer, some are first responders, some work in the automotive industry.
"You meet new people and make a lot of friends. I live with two people I met through this hobby and we're life-long friends now. You get to speak to a lot of people; I've sat down with a five-year-old boy and taught him how to make his own chainmail and you can see how excited they are to talk to a medieval knight. It's a lot of fun."
The Historia Normannis Liverpool group meets at Sefton Park on Sundays from 11am until 5pm. People who are interested in joining the group are welcome to attend.
READ NEXT:
Man arrested at Anfield before Liverpool vs Leeds match banned for life
Mum accused of murder to stand trial next year after man stabbed to death
Thug attacked couple taking kids to park and left dad fighting for his life
Men banned from football matches after chaos ahead of Liverpool FC match
