Hundreds of people braved the cold and the heavy sudden downpours to watch the siege at Rochester Castle come to life on Saturday night.

The Siege Spectacular show was staged to mark the 800th anniversary of the siege of Rochester Castle, which is one of the most historically significant years in Medway’s history.

The castle came to life as hundreds of people watched the battle and saw part of the building collapse before their eyes.

Battle scenes with actors on horses, fireworks, stunning lighting and pre-recorded footage brought the story to life in the massive free event.

Clever projection work meant people could watch the south east tower crumble stone by stone just as it happened 800 years ago.

The event was put on by Medway Council who staged four 30 minute shows, at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.

They begun with an introduction from historian, Dr Marc Morris, who presented Channel 4’s Castle programme and was watched by hundreds of people from designated areas around Boley Hill.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s head of community services, said: “This is one of the most ambitious projects the council has ever undertaken as we brought history to life right before people’s eyes.

“The story of King John and the siege of Rochester Castle shaped the future of this country and this event will helped tell that story to those who don’t know it and also provide a spectacular way of telling it to those who do.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the siege as it happened and people of all ages are going to enjoy the spectacular way in which we are presenting this story.”

The 800th anniversary of the siege was during the same year the Magna Carta arrived in Rochester, which was displayed at Rochester Cathedral alongside the Textus Roffensis, which was written in Medway and is the only existing copy of the first code of English law which influenced the creation of the Magna Carta.

For more pictures see Monday's edition of the Medway Messenger.