MONARCHS from throughout history gathered at Richmond Castle at the weekend to take part in a pageant to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee year.

Hundreds of visitors were treated to a glimpse of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth I, even the fearsome Queen Boadicea made a special appearance at the castle.

Some youngsters were even allowed to meet the queens and were taught how to curtsey.

The event is part of a touring pageant that has visited some of the country's most famous historic landmarks to mark the jubilee.

There were medieval musicians on hand to perform and teach visitors how to play their instruments, while others dressed in medieval costumes and showed people how to make swords and clothing.

The two-day event also featured mock coronations and puppet shows similar to those that would have entertained children in the past.

Sylvia Strange, of Richmond Castle, said the Queen and Country pageant, organised by English Heritage, had been a huge success.

She said: "It has been held at a number of venues to mark the jubilee, but I think this must have been one of the most successful, because everybody really enjoyed themselves.

"The queens were absolutely brilliant and were so believable it really was very impressive.

"The weather was lovely and it was great to see so many families enjoying themselves. Everybody entered into the spirit."