Stretton Watermill is inviting visitors to step back in time to experience the atmosphere of a Tudor country fair this weekend.

There will be a range of costumed characters to help visitors explore the site on Saturday and Sunday, while Tudor millers will demonstrate the  workings of the ancient machinery and grind wheat into flour.

Displays and demonstrations will also show the diet of rural folk in Elizabethan times and reveal how illnesses were kept away with herbs and country cures.

Visitors will be warned to abide by the rules of the local militia or risk being placed in the stocks.

Tom Hughes as a Tudor miller

The historic music duo FayrePlay from nearby Tilston  will be performing Tudor tunes on a range of period instruments to add atmosphere throughout the day and there will be traditional storytelling and the chance to learn Elizabethan dances and games as well.

In 1596, the lease of the mill was taken over by Ursula Leche of Carden Hall and the watermill became part of her family’s estate.

In the late Elizabethan period watermills were vital parts of the  community and the mill would  have been a thriving hub of activity.

Local Farndon councillor Howard Greenwood said: “The special event aims to bring to life an important era in the mill’s history in a way that will interest  and inspire the local community of today.

Manda Kemp as the millers wife

“These ‘living history’ events are always particularly popular with families and are a great way of getting children engaged in learning about their heritage.”

Admission is free for this special  event, and the event runs from  noon to 5pm on both days.

Stretton Watermill is near Farndon and Malpas, just off the A534 by the Cock o’Barton.

Further information can be found at www.strettonwatermill.org.uk.