People had the chance to leave the modern world behind and take a step back in time to the medieval times. There was sword fighting, jesters, meeting the queen and vendors with handmade period items.

“All the items are handmade, hand sewn ... based in Portland, Ore., which used medieval props created by Lord of Battles on its production of Runestone, a film about Vikings in ninth-century ...

“It could mean anything from Viking-era spear and shield to medieval longsword or sword and buckler to rapier and dagger,” he said. “You can pick your own adventure or area to train and stud ...

An American team is in Europe this week for a medieval combat competition ... Hundreds of people are fighting in full armor with swords, shields and other implements of historical mayhem.

The SA Medieval Fair ... "It's all handmade," Ms Winton said. She said this year's fair boasted close to 100 merchant and artisan stalls. "We've got sword-smiths, people who make bows and arrows ...