THE sound of horses’ hooves and splintering lances filled the air at Blenheim Palace as knights took over the south lawn.

The spring jousting tournament over the bank holiday weekend gave visitors the chance to watch knights and their steeds go head-to-head in a display of medieval sport.

Some knights showed off their skills on foot with maces and quarterstaffs while others faced each other down in the tilt, where jousting tournaments traditionally take place.

Younger visitors were also given a chance to become a dragon and there were bird of prey demonstrations each day.

An archery range gave visitors of all ages the chance to test their skills and there were performances for children.

Joust commentator Mike Farley said: “The turnout was astonishing. I think we must have had 6,000 or 7,000 people.”