VIKING and Saxon warriors battled it out once again during re-enactments of a famous conflict which took place near York 950 years ago.

The Battle of Stamford Show was held on Saturday and Sunday to mark the milestone anniversary.

This was the fifth public re-enactment show held by Battle of Stamford Bridge Heritage Society, and the first one since the death of the group’s co-founder Tom Wyles, who died in February this year.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, attended the show on Saturday and gave a short speech.

Meanwhile, a group of intrepid re-enactors gathered in York yesterday and set off on an epic 300-mile journey.

The group departed from Clifford’s Tower on the 950th anniversary of King Harold’s victory over a Viking army at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Their journey is inspired by the one taken by King Harold exactly 950 years ago. Organised by English Heritage, re-enactors on foot and horseback are travelling south over the next three weeks.

They are due to arrive at the Battle of Hastings battlefield site on October 14, the date in 1066 when the forces of Harold and Duke William of Normandy met in arguably the most famous and transformative battle in English history.

Nigel Amos, who is leading the 1066 march on behalf of English Heritage, said: “I have been involved in re-enactment for many years and for me this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

“We do as much as we can to research the details of the history we re-enact, but there’s nothing like a personal experience like this to understand what it was like and offer an even more authentic window on that world to inspire and inform others.

“The legacy of the Norman Conquest is all around us, and for me this march is a great way of highlighting the enormity of what the people involved in the campaigns of 1066 undertook, as well as appreciating the richness of our country’s heritage, from magnificent churches and castles to Roman roads and Saxon villages hiding in plain sight.”

Journeying through Yorkshire and the East Midlands, the march will visit the historic city of Lincoln, passing through the same Roman arch Harold and his men would have done on their way south.

Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle, originally built by William the Conqueror. 

King Harold would have gathered his forces near this spot following the Battle of Hastings, as he recovered and buried the dead, including his brother Tostig.

Emily Sewell, head of events for English Heritage, said: “Throughout 2016 English Heritage have been marking the anniversary of 1066, one of the most famous battles and most transformative years in English history, at sites and events across the country.

"This march and our re-enactment weekend are the culmination of this year of activity and a great opportunity for people to find out more about these dramatic events.”

“We hope people will be as inspired as we are by the volunteers who will be following this route, several of who will then go on to participate in the weekend Battle of Hastings re-enactment itself on the weekend of 15-16 October.”