HUNDREDS of people flocked to see ancient artefacts in one of the biggest history exhibitions ever staged in Bicester.

Items dating back hundreds of years were on show together for the first time, including Saxon skeletons and Roman artefacts.

The Saxon skeletons were excavated during work at Bicester Roman Catholic Church.

Also on show was a recently renovated Georgian fire pump and several vintage military vehicles. Re-enactors set up a military Second World War camp in the church grounds.

Organised by Bicester Local History Society to mark its 25th anniversary, the event attracted more than 50 exhibitors and about 1,500 people.

Society secretary and exhibition co-organiser Peter Chivers said it had been a huge success.

He added: “The event included displays by a number of local history societies, the county museum service, local organisations and individuals.

“The county museum stores at Standlake displayed rarely exhibited Alchester Roman town artefacts including a section of the original main wooden gatepost that formed part of the early fort defences in 44 AD.”

The exhibition, which was spread across Bicester Methodist Church Hall and Sheep Street, also included entertainment from Kirtlington Morris Dancers, Bletchingdon Silver Band and Brookside Primary School’s country dancing group.

For more information about the society, see blhs.org.uk Picture: Steve Wheeler