News

Save the Date: Chalke History Festival 2025

The Chalke History Festival returns from 23rd to 29th June 2025, promising an extraordinary week of history, debate, and immersive experiences in the picturesque Chalke Valley, Wiltshire.

Featured Articles

Roman

The Assassination of Julius Caesar

On the Ides of March 44 BCE, one of the most famous men in history was assassinated. Julius Caesar, general and politician of the people, had risen too far. It was rumoured he wanted to be king and his very existence could ruin the Republic.

Tudor

The End of an Era: The Death of Queen Elizabeth I

In the early hours of 24 March 1603 Queen Elizabeth I died quietly in her palace at Richmond. But for those living through those hours of her final decline, it was a time of fear as well as of hope: change was not always to be welcomed and, in not naming an heir, the queen had protected her own position at the expense of a potential future civil war.

Tudor

Anne of Cleves: Stinky and Ugly?

On 9 July 1540, Henry VIII had his marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, annulled after just six months of marriage. Following the death of his favourite wife Jane Seymour,and under the advice of Thomas Cromwell, Henry had set about finding a new and desirable bride.

Interwar

Appeasement: An Introduction

Just twenty years after the War to End All Wars, Britain was once again at war with Germany. With hindsight a second conflagration had seemed inevitable, so did Britain sleepwalk into a world war that could have been avoided?

Latest News

Latest breaking news, pictures, videos, and special reports

News

We Have Ways of Making You Attend: WHW 2024

There is no getting around it: We Have Ways Fest is niche.

News

A Break with History: Chalke History Festival 2024

While in a few ways Chalke History Festival has broken from its past, then, it is still very much a perfect week’s break with history. It provides a pause; a breath of fresh air; a time to reflect, to ponder, to think, to be.

News

Our Top Picks for Chalke History Festival 2024

With well over two hundred speakers appearing at Chalke History Festival, as well as living history, performances and demonstrations, and a wealth of activities for children, the choice might be a little daunting. So here are our top picks to help you plan your week.

News

Tickets on Sale for Chalke History Festival 2024

Tickets for the UK’s biggest and most successful history festival are now on sale, with the full programme launched and details of all events now live on the newly relaunched Chalke History Festival website.

Latest Book Reviews

Book Review

Sally Coulthard, A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects

Sally Coulthard’s 'A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects' is just that: as the author herself says, it is ‘a history of the countryside, told through the filter of someone fascinated by the courage, charm and occasional callousness of my rural ancestors’.

Book Review

Templars: The Knights Who Made Britain, Steve Tibble

'Templars: The Knights Who Made Britain' is a welcome addition to the sizeable body of literature available on the subject. Its narrower focus and sober analysis of British affairs shines a light on the importance of the Templar Order's lesser-known members and their activities, and, as with all good primers, leaves the reader keen to branch out and read more.

Book Review

Luck of the Draw, Frank Murphy

Frank Murphy's 'Luck of the Draw' tells his remarkable story of serving in the USAAF during the Second World War, of being shot down over Germany, and of his time spent in the famous prisoner-of-war camp Stalag Luft III.

Book Review

Song: A History in 12 Parts, John Potter

In his book 'Song: A History in 12 Parts', John Potter takes us on a fascinating and enlightening journey through the history of song.