AS BLACK clouds rumbled overhead, the funeral cortege of the late Prince Arthur wound its way through the Faithful City.

Despite the weather, mediaeval monks, yeoman, the clergy and hundreds of people braved the rain and hail, to watch as six black stallions pulled the hearse through Worcester.

And in fitting remembrance of a similar day more than 500 years ago, the young body of the 15-year-old child was laid to rest in the Cathedral.

Angel Place echoed to the shouts of mediaeval soldiers, as they hunted through the streets in search of any House of York sympathisers.

After flashing their blades at the enemy the congregation of around 140 mediaeval monks dressed in brown, white and black habits began to relax.

And as they filed into line to walk with the coffin, the sweet smell of incense drifted through the air to protect the route from bad spirits.

The colourful and solemn army of followers marched with a steady drum beat to the Cathedral.

And as Arthur's suit of armour was carried respectfully at the front of the procession an occasional solitary bell from the Cathedral rallied people to hear the Vespers.

The stallions, veiled in black, carried only the coat of arms and Welsh flag upon their bodies, as the spectacular cortege made its way from across the river and onwards to the Cathedral.

"The event has been wonderful. We will not have the chance to be part of something like this again and it was a privilege to be able to come," said one crowd member.

Some participants were so eager to re-enact the event to the smallest detail they paraded as monks in their bare feet, dressed in home-made costumes.

The Prince was finally laid to rest in the Cathedral - lit purely by candlelight - as the echoing hooves of a symbolic white steed rounded off an inspiring performance of the Vespers.