It's just two weeks until this years Chalke History Festival. Set in the beautiful downs just outside Salisbury, Chalke History Festival is the biggest of its kind in the UK, providing a full week of amazing history-related talks, demonstrations, and activities, with some delicious food and foot-tapping tunes thrown in for good measure. Ticketing this year is a bit different, with a higher entry price (although kids go absolutely free) but free entry to almost all talks, giving visitors much better value for money. There are over two hundred speakers appearing this year, so, with so much on offer, here's our handy guide of what not to miss.

Monday 23 June

Richard Dannatt, et al - Korea: War without End

The Korean War of 1950-1953, fought between North Korea, South Korea and their respective allies, was one of the first major proxy wars of the Cold War. It is described by many in the West as a forgotten war, but it nevertheless defined the second half of the twentieth century and continues to have serious ramifications for the world well into the twenty-first. In this extremely timely discussion, covering many themes of great relevance for today’s global situation, General Lord Richard Dannatt and Rob Lyman, in conversation with Peter Caddick-Adams, provide a critical analysis of the lack of preparation by the West for war; the impact of chaotic political decision-making; the threat of the use of nuclear weapons; the West’s refusal to appease an aggressor and North Korea’s ongoing bellicosity; the effects of a colossal civilian death toll and the long term consequences of ending a war with an armistice but without a peace treaty. Not only will this fascinating talk offer vital new insights into contemporary East Asia, but will also provide lessons for the West’s handling of conflicts in Ukraine and wider.

Robert Lyman will also be speaking as part of the panel during the 'Second World War Morning: War in the Far East' (Thursday 26 June). Read more about his views on the Korean War and beyond in our interview with him here.

Peter Caddick-Adams will also be speaking on 'Hitler’s People: Faces of the Third Reich' with Richard Evans (Wednesday, 25 June).

Lucy Hughes-Hallettm and Gareth Russell - All the King’s Men: At the Heart of James I’s Court

History remembers Henry VIII’s six wives, but what about James I’s six loves? In this fascinating discussion, Lucy Hughes-Hallett and Gareth 

Russell explore the powerful men at the heart of James I’s court, from trusted confidants to passionate lovers. James fell deeply in love three times – with a Scottish lord, an English knight, and the dazzling Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, whom he called the 'handsomest man in the whole world'. But his affections didn’t stop there: he was also infatuated with a Highland earl, a Welsh lord, and an English spy. These relationships shaped his rule, his politics, and the intrigue of the Stuart court, and through them we uncover the love, ambition, and power struggles that defined the reign of Britain’s 'first' king.

Paul Lay, et al - Revolution and Republic: England in the Seventeenth Century 

Was the mid-seventeenth century truly a revolution, or was it an effort to preserve an ‘Ancient Constitution’? Paul Lay, Alice Hunt, and Jon Healey delve into the seismic upheavals that saw a king executed, a republic declared, and Britain and Ireland transformed. But was the Cromwellian regime a republic in any meaningful sense? Did the Parliamentarians seek radical change, or were they striving to conserve tradition? Comparing these events to the great revolutions of France and Russia, this discussion will challenge our understanding of revolution and continuity, and take us on a compelling exploration of one of the most turbulent periods in British and Irish history.

Tuesday, 24 June

Tom Holland - Suetonius

The ancient Roman empire – the supreme arena, where emperors had no choice but to fight, to thrill, to dazzle. Tom Holland presents his masterful new translation of Suetonius’s The Twelve Caesars, which brings the first Roman emperors to life with stunning detail. Written in AD 121, Suetonius offers an intimate, vivid portrayal of each Caesar, revealing their personalities, policies, scandals, and eccentricities. From foreign crises to sex scandals, we gain a unique insight into their reigns, seeing their world through the lens of their tastes, relationships, and ambitions. Join one of the festival's most entertaining speakers as he talks us through this timeless exploration of power, intrigue, and human nature.

Gill Hornby and Helena Kelly - Jane Austen at 250: Romantic or Radical

Mention Jane Austen and what normally comes to mind is a world of Regency romance, demure ladies, dashing heroes and glamorous balls in grand houses. However, dig below the surface of Austen’s novels and a lot more is revealed about the author’s revolutionary views on issues such as slavery, feminism, the treatment of the poor and even evolution. In this special event that celebrates the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, Gill Hornby and Helena Kelly discuss the woman behind the myth and what her novels can tell us about real life in Regency Britain.

Michael Palin and Michael Neiburg - There and Back: Diaries 1999-2009

Beloved author, television icon and Monty Python star Michael Palin offers a captivating glimpse into a decade of change, challenge, and adventure. As the twenty-first century unfolds, Palin navigates personal and global upheavals – from the loss of close friend George Harrison to the shocks of 9/11 and the financial crash. Amidst uncertainty, his insatiable curiosity drove him through four landmark travel documentaries – Hemingway Adventure, Sahara, Himalaya, and New Europe – cementing his place as a beloved television traveller. In conversation with award-winning historian and professor Michael Neiburg, Palin reflects on family, fame, and the Pythons, culminating in his greatest new role as a devoted grandfather.

Michael Neiburg will also be a member of the panel during the Second World War Morning (Thursday, 26 June) and talking on 'Darkness in the City of Light: The 1937 Paris World’s Fair', which explores the Fair as a microcosm of Europe’s political and social tensions in the lead-up to World War II, giving an insight into this complex period in European history and examining themes such as ideological conflict, the fragility of democracy, and the plight of Europe’s Jews (Sunday, 29 June).

Wednesday, 25 June

Estelle Paranque, et al - When Science Meets History: The Coded Letters of Mary Queen of Scots

For centuries, Mary, Queen of Scots’ secret communications were thought lost – until 2023, when George Lasry and his team cracked the code. Through cutting-edge cryptographic analysis, they decrypted over 50 letters Mary wrote while imprisoned by Elizabeth I, revealing a world of hidden alliances, espionage, and desperate political manoeuvring. Join Estelle Paranque, Alex Courtney, George Lasry, and Jackson van Uden as they unveil how these newly discovered letters transform our understanding of Mary’s struggle for power. From clandestine messages to high-stakes diplomacy, the panel explores how science and history combine to rewrite the past.

Estelle Paranque will also be talking about 'Toxic Love: Power, Betrayal And Scandal through the Ages' on Tuesday, 24 June.

Jackson van Uden will be appearing across the festival, including speaking with Flora Carr on an earlier episode in the life of Mary Queen of Scots in ‘The Tower’ (Saturday, 28 June), and as part of a panel for 'Old Buildings, New Visitors: Bringing Heritage to a Twenty-First Century Audience' (Sunday, 29 June).

Anthony Scaramucci and James Holland - The Age of Dishonour: The Changing Values of the President from FDR to Trump

On 12 April 1945, Harry S. Truman, a domestic politician from Missouri in the mid-west, was dramatically sworn in as the new President of the United States. It was not a job for which he had any ambition and yet he embraced it – and all the immense responsibilities that came with it, from handling the end of the war, to the emerging Cold War and the first use of atomic weapons. And he did so through a profound sense of moral and Christian duty. So, what has gone wrong? Why has corruption, dishonesty and selfishness become the norm in Western politics? Where did the rot begin and what lies ahead in the future? Anthony Scaramucci - lawyer, financier, former Director of Communications for Donald Trump and now a globally successful podcaster - in conversation with James Holland, will discuss the Age of Dishonour.

Anthony Scaramucci will also be speaking on his time with Trump in American politics on Thursday, 26 June. 

James Holland is appearing across the week, including during the Second World War Morning and on 'Russia at War: A History of Ineptitude?' (both on Thursday, 26 June); and in two talks on the events of 1945 (Friday, 27 June and Saturday, 28 June).

Minette Walters - The Players: The Bloody Assizes, 1685

1685 England: the country is torn by rebellion. The Protestant duke of Monmouth, Charles II’s illegitimate son, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle, King James II. After Monmouth’s defeat, those captured face brutal executions. As the bloody tide of retribution looms, Lady Jayne Harrier and her son, aided by a mysterious magistrate’s daughter, risk everything to save the condemned. Join award-winning and bestselling crime-writer Minette Walters on this gripping journey of deception, compassion, and defiance in the shadow of vengeance.

Thursday, 26 June

William Dalrymple - The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World 

For over a millennium, India was the beating heart of an empire of ideas, shaping the world through its art, religion, mathematics, and trade. Acclaimed historian William Dalrymple reveals India’s vast influence – from Angkor Wat to Roman commerce and the creation of numerals. Join him as he uncovers the forgotten story of how Indian civilisation blazed a trail across Eurasia, shaping history in ways we still see today.

Michael Gove and Tim Shipman - Change Maker: Michael Gove, A Life in Politics

Michael Gove is one of the most influential British politicians this century: pioneer, reformer, changemaker and one of the smartest men to have served in the House of Commons during his nearly twenty years serving as an MP. In this event, he talks to award-winning political journalist, Tim Shipman, about his time in parliament, sharing insights, thoughts and opinion not only on what has been but what also lies in the future.

Dan Jones and Helen Carr - England’s Warrior Kings 

Join Helen Carr and Dan Jones in conversation about the kings who shaped medieval England through battle, over the course of the Hundred Years War. From Edward III to Henry V, Helen and Dan will discuss the canonical battles that took place and why these kings are so interwoven with English nationalism and mythology.

Dan Jones will also be discussing 'Agincourt: The Triumph of Henry V', and 'The English Longbow' with Michael Livingstone and Will Sherman on the same day. You can read our latest interview with Dan Jones here.

Helen Carr will be giving a new history of the fourteenth century on the same day, and joining in the panel discussion, '1066 and All That? Important Dates in British History', along with Charlie Higson, Al Murray, and Alice Loxton, on Saturday, 28 June.

Friday, 27 June

Toby Capwell - Armour of the English Knight: A 25-Year Quest

Join social media hero, author, curator, horseman, and historical martial artist Dr Toby Capwell for a lively discussion of armour in England during the fifteenth century. With an enthusiasm that is truly infectious, and a knowledge that is encyclopaedic, Capwell takes us on a journey that is both surprising and fascinating, showing how, as wearable art, English armour was an expression of a burgeoning sense of English identity; as war gear, how it was perfectly suited to the combat requirements of English knights famous throughout Europe for their dismounted tactics and their sheer prowess, fighting on foot with the pollaxe, spear and longsword.

To read about Capwell's journey through the worlds of armour, jousting, and all things medieval, click here.

Al Murray: Pub Landlord

The people have spoken! Not only do we have a new Government, but by popular demand The Pub Landlord is back at Chalke for another round of Guv Island in 2025, with some freshly brewed material on the menu. Expect strong language from the start. This performance will be in aid of Finley’s Touch with all proceeds going to them. Find out more about the charity here: https://finleystouch.org.uk/.

Al Murray will be at Chalke throughout the weekend, talking with James Holland on 'Victory ’45: The End of the War in Eight Surrenders' (also on Friday), and participating in Histrionics and '1066 and All That? Important Dates in British History' (both on Saturday, 28 June).

Kate Vigurs - Mission Europe: Secret History of the Women of SOE

Happily sponsored by us! The women of the Special Operations Executive risked everything to resist Nazi occupation across Europe. Historian Kate Vigurs uncovers the remarkable but little-known stories of those who operated beyond France – in the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and beyond. She explores too, the lives of Jewish agents recruited in Mandate Palestine for missions in Eastern Europe. From sabotage missions to daring escapes, these agents played a crucial role in the fight for freedom. Join Kate as she reveals the extraordinary courage of the women who helped to 'set Europe ablaze'.

Kate Vigurs will be at Chalke throughout the week as History's Maid. To read our latest interview with her, click here; to read our review of her book on women of SOE's F-Section, Mission France, click here.

Saturday, 28 June

Alex Churchill - Ring of Fire: A New Global History of the Outbreak of the First World War 

Most countries did not know what they were getting into during the precarious days of 1914. Global citizens believed they were going to fight a short conflict that would settle old scores in a matter of weeks—but it was soon clear that was not going to be the case. Understanding such a complex conflict is difficult, and over the last hundred years, it has been made even more so by a repeatedly blinkered approach to the history of it, with a focus almost entirely on English-language sources and a narrow view of the conflict through two main prisms: the Eastern Front and the Western Front. Military historian Alex Churchill has scoured the globe in search of an enormous quantity of fresh material and brings a people’s view of the war, translated from more than a dozen languages, and presents an expansive, dynamic and ground-breaking history of the start of this truly global conflict.

Charlie Higson, et al - Histrionics 

The brilliant annual comedy history panel show is back this year with Anuvab Pal, Al Murray, Ian Hislop, and Katie Kennedy, as the teams show off their deep historical knowledge under the watchful eye of Quiz Master Charlie Higson. Expect historical high jinks, merry mayhem and two teams playing the fool with more larks than the greatest of court jesters.

Charlie Higson will also be participating in '1066 and All That? Important Dates in British History' on the same day.

Al Murray will be putting in appearances across the weekend, including as the legendary Pub Landlord (see above, Friday, 27 June).

Ian Hislop will also be speaking on the history of jokes and humour, on the same day (see below).

Katie Kennedy will be in conversation with Alice Loxton about 'History Gossip: Was Anne Of Cleves A Minger?' on Sunday, 29 June.

Ian Hislop’s Old Jokes

The British are rather proud of their sense of humour – but where has that pride come from and what makes it unique? Festival favourite Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye and team captain of Have I Got News for You, is back at Chalke to take a hilarious look at some of Britain’s oldest jokes and guide us through some of the vital elements that make up that most curious thing: the British sense of humour. This event is a must for anyone who loves a good belly laugh.

Ian Hislop will also be appearing in Histrionics (see above).

Sunday, 29 June

Helen Castor - The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV

Join acclaimed medieval and Tudor historian Helen Castor as she unravels the dramatic and fateful rivalry between Richard II and Henry IV – two cousins whose entwined destinies shaped the course of English history. When they were still children, Richard was crowned King Richard II with Henry at his side, carrying the sword of state: a ten-year-old lord in the service of his ten-year-old king. Richard, the white hart, was a fragile yet ruthless king, while Henry, the eagle, was a charismatic leader without a crown. As ambition, fear, and power struggles tore them apart, their conflict pushed England to the brink of catastrophe. With her signature storytelling, Castor explores this gripping tale of monarchy, masculinity, and the battle for the throne.

Peter Frankopan - The Silk Roads: Ten Year Anniversary, 

Peter Frankopan returns to Chalke History Festival to mark ten years of The Silk Roads, his groundbreaking international bestseller. As global power shifts and geopolitical tensions rise, Frankopan reflects on the book’s enduring impact and examines how the vast region stretching from the Balkans to South Asia remains central to world affairs. From trade and conquest to the spread of religions and empires, he reveals how the fates of East and West have always been intertwined. This will be a fascinating and timely talk from one of the world’s most influential historians.

Katie Kennedy and Alice Loxton - History Gossip: Was Anne of Cleves a Minger? 

Brace yourself for history like you’ve never heard it before! TikTok sensation Katie Kennedy, aka @TheHistoryGossip, brings her signature wit, sass, and scandalous storytelling to Chalke History Festival. From Anne of Cleves’s unfortunate reputation to Mary Shelley’s graveyard rendezvous and George IV’s legendary appetite, The History Gossip spills the tea with Alice Loxton on the wildest, weirdest, and downright jaw-dropping tales from the past. Packed with juicy historical gossip, pop culture references, and laugh-out-loud revelations, Katie proves that history isn’t just about dates and battles – it’s full of drama, intrigue, and outrageous characters. Join Katie Kennedy, in conversation with Alice Loxton, for an unfiltered, hilarious, and fascinating dive into the past, where no historical figure is safe from scrutiny. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good scandal, this is one talk you won’t want to miss!

Katie Kennedy will also be appearing on Histrionics (see above, Saturday, 28 June).

Alice Loxton will be appearing twice on Saturday: as part of the panel for '1066 and All That? Important Dates in British History', and with Georgia Heneage on the trials, challenges of, and approaches to, writing about the dead in 'Speak Well of the Dead: Memorialising Historic Figures'.

Throughout the week

History's Maid

History’s Maid is a live historical interpretation company created by Dr Kate Vigurs (see above, Friday, 27 June). Throughout the week, she'll be revealing the extraordinary stories of trailblazing women across history, from war correspondents, to resisters and secret agents, to suffragettes.

The History Maker

Actor, writer, and fight choreographer Adam Schuch-des Forges is transformed into the incomparable Major-General (Dishonourably Discharged), Bishop (De-frocked), Poncenby Vainen Schuch-des Forges O. B. E. (Forefeited). Hear first-hand the possibly implausible, probably impossible, certainly far-fetched, but definitely true, life and death adventures of this ex-spy and quintuple-double intelligence agent, strategist, advisor, master of disguise, ambassador, military genius, fruitcake vendor, monkey trainer and personal embarrassment to her majesty Queen Victoria.

Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History

Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History is an old-time circus sideshow where the stars are the props and extraordinary stories. It’s all about TIME! Against the clock, Abs ‘Wizzo’ Wisdom brings his excitement for history front and centre to you! Think Heath Robinson meets Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and throw in a generous helping of audience participation and Crystal Maze eccentricity. Colourful? Yes. Educational? Certainly. Rip-roaring? Absolutely!

Foreign Field

Paul Bavill, Rory Ware and Kyle Glover are three hugely talented costumed historical interpreters who will be demonstrating martial skills, dark crimes and hidden heroics in a mix of history that stretches from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. From fifteenth-century armoured combat to the artful techniques of Victorian self-defence, don’t miss their unique blend of action, education, and comedy.

Chalke History Festival runs from Monday, 23 June until Sunday, 29 June, at Bury Lane, Broad Chalke, Near Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 5DP.

For more details about the festival, please visit the Chalke History Festival website.

Follow all the news on X at @ChalkeFestival, on Instagram at @chalkehistoryfestival and on Facebook.

All photos © Chalke History Festival.