IT was full-tilt medieval madness at Blenheim Palace this weekend as hundreds descended on the iconic Woodstock stately home for the spring jousting tournament.

The Knights of Royal England have taken over the South Lawn throughout Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday to charge each other on horseback in the traditional tilt.

Meanwhile others battled it out on foot using a mace and quarterstaff while crowds looked on.

Jethro Evanson, five, came along to watch his favourite blue knight battling it out, before embarking on a sword fight of his own with schoolfriends.

The youngster, from Shipton-under-Wychwood, West Oxfordshire, said: "I thought the jousting was really good and was watching the jesters."

Mum Jenny Evanson said: "The children just love it. The guys did pretty much the same script as last year but it doesn't matter - it was a good spectacle.

"We saw the jesters and juggling, and they were marvellous as well. It's terribly professional."

Away from the main event families were treated to falconry displays, puppet shows and jesters as well as archery sessions.

Rose Woodward, four, from Witney, tried out a bow and arrow as well as watching the main jousting match.

Mum Cheryl said: "We had a lovely time. The jousting was brilliant to watch - they were really good at getting the crowd booing and cheering. It was a really fun afternoon."

Visitors were also treated to sporadic patches of sun over the weekend and the champagne and Pimms was flowing throughout.

Brothers Oliver and Freddie Peaseley, four and six, also battled it out in the grounds wearing silver-painted cardboard helmets made by Oliver's godfather.

Dad Gary Peasley, from Cassington, said: "We just popped down for the main joust and I think the boys will come here again."