Step Back in Time: The Tewkesbury History Festival is Calling

A look at the speakers and workshops of the Tewkesbury History Festival

There is something magnetic about Tewkesbury. Perhaps it’s the way the timber-framed buildings lean over the medieval streets, or how the shadows of the Abbey have watched over the town for nearly a millennium. In Tewkesbury, history isn’t just in the books—it’s in the bones of the town.

This year, we are throwing the doors wide open for the Tewkesbury History Festival, a celebration of the stories, battles, and people. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, here is what you can look forward to.

What’s On? Highlights of the Festival

The festival is more than just a series of talks; it’s an immersive experience designed to bring the past into the present.

Guided Heritage Walks: Discover the hidden histories behind our famous alleys. Our expert guides will lead you through the narrow passages, sharing tales of medieval trade, Civil War skirmishes, and Victorian industry.
Guest Lectures & Panel Discussions: Join world-class historians at the Watson Hall and the Abbey for deep dives into Tewkesbury’s pivotal moments.

Festival Highlights: A Journey Through Time

Set against the backdrop of one of England’s best-preserved medieval landscapes, this four-day festival offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the leading voices in archaeology, royal intrigue, and historical fiction.

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Thursday 18 June: Hidden Histories & Remarkable Lives

The festival opens with a powerful programme exploring the courage and secrets of the past:

Kate Vigurs presents Mission Europe – The Women of SOE, revealing the extraordinary bravery of female agents during WWII.
Alison Weir, the acclaimed historian and novelist, delves into Tudor mystery with The Boleyn Secret.
Julian Richards, archaeologist and broadcaster, uncovers new insights into prehistoric Britain in Archaeology at Stonehenge.
Nicola Tallis explores royal intrigue in The Uncrowned Queen.
Sarah Dunant, bestselling novelist, closes the evening with a look at the Renaissance in The First Lady of the Renaissance: The Monstrous Marchesa of Mantua.

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Friday 19 June: Architecture, Empire, and the Medieval World

Friday offers an eclectic range of subjects spanning domestic design to Viking conquest:

Piers Taylor, architect and TV presenter, examines the Evolution of the English Home.
Katie Hickman discusses storytelling and empire in The Aviary Gate Series.
R.A.J. Waddingham explores Viking culture, while medieval specialist Rory MacLellan examines the mysterious Knights Hospitallers.
Ian Mortimer, the celebrated historian, concludes the day with an engaging A–Z of English History.

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Saturday 20 June: Mystery, Textiles, and Rebellion

The weekend kicks off with some of history’s greatest "whodunnits" and cultural deep dives:

Matt Lewis tackles one of England’s greatest mysteries: The Princes in the Tower.
Melanie Backe-Hansen, property historian, reveals the stories hidden within our own homes.
Kassia St Clair explores the intersection of textiles and society in The Golden Thread.
Nathen Amin examines Welsh identity in Owain Glyndŵr: Rebel, Prince, Visionary.
Kate Lister, historian and broadcaster, closes the night with her talk, A Galloping Catastrophe.

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Sunday 21 June: Folklore and the Finales

The festival concludes with events designed for families and dedicated enthusiasts alike:

Tom Phillips brings Forest Folklore for Children to life for our younger historians.
Elizabeth Norton charts an incredible 5,000 Years of Female Monarchy.
Annie Garthwaite explores the powerful women of the Wars of the Roses.
Daisy Dixon investigates provocative imagery in The Story of Depravity – Dangerous Art.
The Grand Finale: Renowned historian Suzannah Lipscomb brings the festival to a dramatic close with a deep dive into Witchcraft and the Witch Trials.

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Join Us in the Heart of History

Whether you are a local resident or travelling from afar, the Tewkesbury History Festival is your chance to see the past through fresh eyes in a town that lives and breathes its heritage.

Plan Your Weekend: Tickets are expected to go fast for these headline sessions. Be sure to check the full schedule and secure your seats early!