ENGINEER Tim Nightingale's marriage has earned its place in the history books.

For Tim married bride Liz Laycock in a castle which last hosted a wedding more than 350 years ago.

The couple, dressed in costumes from the Tudor era, said "I do" in the romantic yet partially derelict setting of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire. The ceremony was held in the 1,000-year-old castle's Grand Hall.

Tim, aged 28, who is originally from Horwich but now lives in Bradford, swapped the traditional top hat and tails for 15th century steel-plated body armour.

And blushing bride Liz, from Sheffield, wore a £1,200 replica of a gown worn by former resident of the castle Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI.

The couple, who met at a meeting of Sheffield University's Re-enactment Society, wanted their marriage to be different -- and they succeeded.

Tim, a past pupil of Claypool County Primary School and Rivington and Blackrod High School, said: "We were the first couple to get married there since the church's chapel was destroyed during the English Civil War in 1647 and it was probably the first civil wedding ever to be held there.

"We always planned to get married like that as we love to re-enact and are members of clubs which tour the country enjoying mock battles and recreating events.

"It went very well, the weather was good and the guests enjoyed themselves. They all wore period outfits."

Liz, aged 29, added: "We met through university's re-enactment society. Tutbury Castle was the venue for the group's first ever event and has special reputation."

Guests travelled across the country to attend. Many wore hand-crafted shoes, jewellery and outfits made from authentic silk, velvet and leather.

Tim's father Ken Nightingale, aged 62, a retired lecturer of St Leonard's Avenue in Horwich, said: "That's just Tim -- that is what he is like.

"It is just his personality. Tim has got many friends back in Bolton. He was the lion in The Wizard of Oz at school but has now become the Tin Man! It was a fantastic day."

Staffordshire County Council granted the site a civil wedding ceremony licence enabling the couple to tie the knot.

Tim and Liz spent their week-long honeymoon travelling around Britain.