HISTORY will be made when the country heads to the polls this week.

But it was Britain’s turbulent past that was revisited at Lulworth Castle over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The deafening crash of guns and artillery filled the air as the English Civil War Society brought 17th century life to Purbeck.

Full-costumed soldiers from Sir Thomas Tyldesley’s Regiment fought a full-scale battle on the castle fields.

The regiment fought for the Royalists against the parliamentary forces, their most famous being Marston Moor in 1644, the largest battle of the Civil War.

A spy was also apprehended and put on trial to be executed in front of a baying Lulworth crowd.

As well as the stunning re-enactments, the essence of medieval life was recreated.

Cooking and music demonstrations brought authentic sounds and smells, while skills such as musket ball making and armour repair were showcased.

The castle itself was built during the tumultuous era.

Shortly after it was bought by Humphrey Weld, the civil war broke out and the castle owner sided with King Charles.

After Weld joined Charles in Oxford, parliamentarians occupied the castle and stripped its roof of lead.

It was used to make musket balls utilised in the siege of nearby Corfe Castle.

Castle manager Paul Pinnock said: “The event was a huge success, despite disappointing weather on Saturday.

“Everyone had a tremendous time.

“Our next big event will be a pirate festival.

“On May 29 we are hoping to secure a place in the Guinness Book of Records by staging the world’s largest ever gathering of pirates.”