Budding archaeologists took a step back in time as they got up close to historical items excavated from around the borough.

Barnet and Southgate College students have been carrying out work experience at the Museum of London’s Archaeological Archive, where they helped repackage and document finds from the earth-and-timber South Mimms Castle.

The castle belonged to Geoffrey II de Mandeville, one of the biggest warlords in the country in the 12th century.

During this time Barnet was at the heart of a bloody civil war between the rival rulers of England, Stephen and Matilda.

Some of the local artefacts dating back to the war were on show today at Barnet and Southgate College’s Wood Street campus yesterday.

Included in the line-up were arrowheads, which suggest a military presence at the castle, an elegant copper-alloy brooch from the make-up of the castle mound and a red deer antler which could have hung as a hunting trophy in the castle itself.

Principal of the college David Byrne said: “Our students got a lot out of their work experience at the museum and were inspired by the work of the archaeologists.

"They have been excited to be part of the pop-up museum explaining to everyone what each artefact represents and how they show how London’s elite used to live.”

The event was run in conjunction with the Museum of London as part of its Unearthing Barnet project which is funded by the Arts Council England’s Opening up Archaeology programme.