TROWBRIDGE Museum is inviting visitors to delve into the medieval past of the county town, after opening its Magna Carta exhibition Game of Barons on Saturday.

The exhibition, which explores the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, includes a 6ft plaster maquette of Trowbridge Baron Henry de Bohun, who was one of 25 barons elected to ensure King John honoured the charter.

With de Bohun’s help, the notorious King was forced to approve the clauses of Magna Carta, signing away certain royal privileges and opening the way for a freer and fairer form of government.

Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton officially opened the exhibition, which also features replica medieval weaponry and Lego castles to entertain younger visitors, on Saturday.

Exhibition curator Katherine White said: “There will be something to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. The maquette of Henry de Bohun was the first really big exhibit that we managed to get.

“After that, I looked at ways to make the Magna Carta more appealing to visitors as it is quite a dry document, so started to think outside the box and looks at what life would have been like for ordinary people in medieval times.

“We have some replicas of weaponry from around the period as there was a lot of warfare at the time. We have a 13th century sword replica and a striking archery target as well, which is quite noticeable when you walk in.

“Another interesting addition is a replica helmet that a knight crusader would have worn, with very small holes for eyes. For children, we have Lego models of castles, medieval gardens and King John.”

The exhibition also includes a facsimile of the Magna Carta, which will be available with a transcription, and souvenirs to mark the anniversary of what many consider to be the birth of modern democracy in the UK.

Displays about daily life, food, warfare and the troubled reigns of Henry II and Richard the Lionheart will help visitors learn more about the period, along with information on heraldry in medieval times.

Miss White added: “It’s been a thrill being part of Trowbridge’s celebrations for The Great Charter’s 800th anniversary, and there is a lot more to come this year.”

“We will be adding bits and pieces as time goes on, including textile work by members of the U3A and a medieval house hunt to entertain our younger visitors.”

The exhibition will run until July 25 and for more information, visit www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk or www.trowbridgemagnacarta.blogspot.com