Harvington Hall Ticket Portal

Helen Castor explores one of the strangest and most fateful relationships in English history. It is a story about power, and masculinity in crisis, and a nation brought to the brink of catastrophe - and, at its heart, two men whose lives were played out in extraordinary parallel, to devastating effect.

Richard of Bordeaux and Henry Bolingbroke were first cousins, born just three months apart. Their lives were from the beginning entwined. 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. Yet, as the animals on their heraldic badges showed, they grew up to be opposites: Richard was the white hart, a thin-skinned narcissist, and Henry the eagle, a chivalric hero, a leader who inspired loyalty where Richard inspired only fear. Henry had all the qualities Richard lacked, all the qualities a sovereign needed, bar one: birth right. Increasingly threatened by his charismatic cousin, Richard became consumed by the need for total power, in a time of constant conflict, rebellions and reprisals. When he banished Henry into exile, the stage was set for a final confrontation, as the hart became the tyrant and the eagle his usurper.

The author of She-Wolves chronicles the lives and reigns of Richard II and Henry IV, two cousins whose rivalry brought their nation to the brink of disintegration - and back again.

Helen Castor is an acclaimed Tudor historian, author and broadcaster. Her books include the prize-winning Blood & Roses, She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England before Elizabeth, and Joan of Arc, dubbed ‘a triumph of history’. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a Fellow Commoner of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge and has presented a range of radio and television programmes for the BBC and Channel 4. Her new book,The Eagle and the Hart, tells the story of the tumultuous reigns of Richard II and Henry IV.

Book signing available 

In conversation with Annie Garthwaite, chaired by Dr Nicola Tallis.

Accounts of the Wars of the Roses are dominated by men – kings and kingmakers, traitors and tyrants. But maybe it was the women calling the shots? In conversation with historian Nicola Tallis, Annie reveals how the wars were shaped by powerful mothers, driving the action and risking their lives to secure the throne for their sons. From Cecily Neville, matriarch of House York, to Margaret Beaufort, mother of the Tudor dynasty, she traces the risks they took – and the terrible prices they paid.

Annie Garthwaite is the acclaimed author of two novels that bring the women of the Wars of the Roses to life. Cecily (Penguin Viking 2021) was named a 'top pick' by The Times and Sunday Times, a 'Best Book of 2021' by independent bookshops and Waterstones, and has recently been optioned for television. The King's Mother (Penguin Viking 2024) was named ‘Book of the Month’ by The Times immediately on publication. Annie came to writing after a 30-year international business career, determined to cast light on a female history so often overlooked.

Book signing available 

In the climax of Shakespeare's thrilling play Richard III, the great Bard describes how Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York were 'conjoined', bringing together the warring houses of York and Lancaster and ending the Wars of the Roses. It is this political marriage that gave birth, symbolically and literally, to the Tudor Dynasty. In this enthralling and new talk, historian and author Nathen Amin takes a closer look at Henry and Elizabeth, parents of Henry VIII and founders of the mightiest dynasty that ruled this kingdom. It is a tale of war, love, and grief, with a legacy we still feel today.

Nathen Amin is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, an experienced public speaker, author and researcher, who focusses on the 15th century and reign of Henry VII. His 4th book "Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders: Simple, Warbeck and Warwick” was an Amazon Best seller. He has featured on British, Australian and German radio and television, as well as in print and online media across the UK, and has presented at leading history and book festivals.

Book signing available 

Ancient buildings such as Harvington Hall attract interesting, exciting, and romantic stories. These tales include those of secret passages running for miles beneath the landscape or accidental burn marks left on timbers by unattended candles. Such stories are commonly believed and widely repeated – but are they really true? James will explain the development of the folklore and investigate the underlying truths. Sometimes the realities hiding behind the stories are even more interesting, romantic, and exciting than the myths…

Dr James Wright FSA (Triskele Heritage) is an award-winning buildings archaeologist. He has over two decades professional experience of ferreting around in people’s cellars, hunting through their attics and digging up their gardens. He hopes to find meaningful truths about how ordinary and extraordinary folk lived their lives in the past. He is the author of the book Historic Building Mythbusting which was released via The History Press in June 2024.

Book signing available 

Religion and sex are inextricably tangled in politics across our contemporary world, often in toxic ways, and the long history of that tangle in the Christian world has been fatally simplified and misunderstood. Diarmaid MacCulloch, drawing on his recent book Lower than the Angels, seeks to set up ways of understanding the past that may help us calm present-day fears. He shows how crucial were Europe's religious and social changes in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in shaping the ways in which we look at sexuality and families in our own age: part of the extraordinarily varied saga of Christian attitudes to sex over the centuries.

Diarmaid MacCulloch is Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford, Fellow of St Cross College, Oxford and of Campion Hall, Oxford and was knighted in the UK New Year’s Honours List (2012). A tv presenter and prize-winning author of History of Christianity: the first three thousand years . Among other books, Thomas Cromwell: a Life ( 2018) and Lower than the Angels: a History of Sex and Christianity (2024).

Book signing available 

Saintly scholar, zealous persecutor, ambitious statesman - who was the ‘real’ Thomas More? Neither the hero of Man For All Seasons nor the villain of Wolf Hall, this talk recovers the living, breathing, complex historical individual who walked London’s streets, wrote Utopia, and daringly spoke truth to Henry VIII. Drawing on new archival research from her biography of More, Dr Joanne Paul will separate the man from the myth to discover the real Thomas More. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of the sixteenth century to separate fact from fiction and uncover the enduring legacy of one of history's most enigmatic and divisive figures.

Dr Joanne Paul is an award-winning historian, broadcaster and writer with a passion for sharing her research on Renaissance and Tudor history. She is Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Sussex and a 2017 AHRC/BBC Radio 3 New Generation Thinker. Her first trade book, The House of Dudley, was hailed as a 2022 Book of the Year by The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph and History Today. Her biography of Thomas More is the result of more than a decade’s research into the man and his work.

Book signing available 

Most people recognize her name, and many think that they know her story: Lady Jane Grey, a young girl who was cruelly abused by her parents, manipulated in the complex world of sixteenth-century politics, and executed at the age of seventeen. Thus, Jane is remembered as one of history’s most tragic victims. Parts of this are irrefutably true, and there is no doubt that she was indeed a victim. But this is, in fact, only half the story. Jane was a young woman of remarkable intellect, passion, determination, and courage. Dr Nicola Tallis reveals the human and emotional story that has thus far been ignored, revealing a young woman who saw herself as an advocate of Protestantism, and ultimately became a martyr for her faith.

Dr Nicola Tallis has a first class BA (Hons) in History from Bath Spa University, and an MA in Public History from Royal Holloway College, University of London. She received her doctorate in 2019 from the University of Winchester, and is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Nicola has been passionate about English history all of her life, and has worked as a curator, lecturer, and historical researcher. She is the author of five books: Crown of Blood (2016), Elizabeth’s Rival (2017), Uncrowned Queen (2019), All the Queen’s Jewels (2022), and Young Elizabeth (2023).

Book signing available 

The extraordinary story of Wolsey the man, his incredible rise to power and his tragic fall. Alison Weir delves beyond the splendour and political machinations of the Tudor court to reveal the secrets of Wolsey's private life and the woman he loved devotedly, from whom he would be driven to part. It is also a tale of two men, king and commoner, and the special, deep-rooted bonds that brought them together, and the forces that drove them apart – and of two women, the one who loved Wolsey, and the other who hated him.

Alison Weir is the top selling female historian in the UK: over 3 million books sold worldwide. With her new book “ The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power” she has published 37 books including several on Henry VIII’s wives .

Book signing available 

In 1607, a Scottish knight fell off his horse in front of King James, who rushed to see if he was alright. What followed was a ten-year love affair that ended in suspected murder and one of the greatest scandals of the seventeenth century. Historian Gareth Russell explores this remarkable true story of passion, heartbreak, and death.

Gareth Russell is an historian and broadcaster. He is the author of biographies of Henry VIII’s fifth wife Catherine Howard and of the late Queen Mother (The Times Book of the Year 2022). He is also the author of the best-selling “The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of History at Hampton Court” (A BBC History Book of the Year and Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best New History). His most recent book is “Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King.”

Book signing available 

Early modern Europe was a hotbed of espionage: spies, spy-catchers, and conspirators pitted their wits against each other in deadly games of hide and seek―only those who mastered the latest techniques would survive. In their acclaimed book Spycraft, Nadine Akkerman and Pete Langman explore the tricks and tools used by spies and counter-spies in the 16th and 17th centuries. By exploring the physical realities facing the spy as he (or she) sought to take control of the battle for information by counterfeiting letters, passports and other documents, protecting their own secrets with ciphers, codes, and invisible inks while trying to unveil those of their enemies, and how, if all else failed, they sought to assassinate their enemies, they shed new light on old stories such as The Babington Plot and the Gunpowder Plot.

Prof Nadine Akkerman is professor of early modern literature and culture at Leiden University and author of the prize-winning Invisible Agents: Women and Espionage in 17th-century Britain and the definitive biography of Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Hearts. She has played a starring role in projects such as Signed, Sealed and Undelivered, which developed an algorithm that can unwrap and read letters without damaging them, and The Memory of Scent, which recreates perfumes from original 17th -century recipes.

Dr Pete Langman is a writer, editor and academic, OED bibliographer, author of Killing Beauties, a novel featuring female spies in the Interregnum, The Country House Cricketer, and Slender Threads: a young person’s guide to Parkinson’s disease, and manuscript editor for Early Modern Low Countries Journal. His PhD (2007) was on Francis Bacon (the early modern one).

Book signing available 

Join us for a captivating panel discussion chaired by festival host Jo Durrant as we delve into the shadowy world of the Gunpowder Plot with four leading historians: Professor Nadine Akkerman, Dr Pete Langman, Dr Elizabeth Norton, and Professor Stephen Alford.

What drove a group of men to plan an act of mass murder by attempting to blow up Parliament on 5th November 1605? What were their motives, and what fueled their anger to such an extreme? Our expert panel will explore these questions, shedding light on the conspirators, their ambitions, and the seismic aftermath of their actions.

Through lively discussion, we’ll examine the myths, motivations, and potential consequences if the plot had succeeded. Prepare to see the infamous story in a new light as we uncover the truth behind one of history’s most notorious acts of treason.

Prof Stephen Alford taught for fifteen years at Cambridge University and has been Professor of Early Modern British History at the University of Leeds since 2012. He is the author of seven books on the Tudor period, including The Watchers: A Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth I (Penguin, 2012) and most recently All His Spies: The Secret World of Robert Cecil (Penguin, 2024).

Dr. Elizabeth Norton is a well-known historian, broadcaster and author, famous for her work on the Queens of England, and especially Tudor Women. Amongst her achievements are the critically acclaimed books; The Lives of Tudor Women and the temptation of Elizabeth Tudor. Elizabeth’s new book will be out in September 2025 'The Women Who Ruled the World' - a history of reigning queens across the world.

For Prof Nadine Akkerman & Dr Pete Langman see 1.30 talk

Book signing available 

'Haven' is a beautiful programme of music both intimate and emotive taken from Apollo5’s latest album. It reflects music’s capacity to bring comfort, refuge and sanctuary. Centred around Byrd’s 5-part mass (a masterpiece written in secret as a Catholic during Elizabethan persecution) the programme is interspersed with other pieces that respond or complement Byrd’s work composed by other persecuted musicians and poets from the Tudor period right up to the present.

“Hugely impressive” (Gramophone Magazine)

“An inspired programme, superbly sung throughout” (BBC Music Magazine)

Celebrating its 15th year, APOLLO5 continues to thrill, move and inspire audiences as one of Britain’s smallest but most impressive vocal groups. Performing throughout the UK’s prestigious concert halls as well as across Europe the group is a regular guest on BBC Radio3’s In tune and Classic FM

Singers: Penelope Appleyard, Clare Stewart, Jacob Ewens, Joseph Taylor & Augustus Perkins Ray

“exceptional cohesion and effortless style… faultless. ★★★★★”(BBC Music Magazine). Visit https://apollo5.co.uk/ to hear them

In conversation with Lara Maiklem, chaired by festival host, Jo Durrant.

For over two decades Lara has mudlarked; scouring the banks of the Thames to find objects - lost or discarded- that tell the greatest stories from medieval pilgrim badges to Tudor shoes and Georgian wig curlers. Her fascinating talk reveals her finds and experiences throughout the seasons of 2022 and the stories she has discovered through them. Join her to uncover London's secrets of history.

Described as “a phenomenon” (Jon Snow) Lara's curiosity, wisdom and obsession has resulted in a critically acclaimed best selling book Mudlarking featured in The Telegraph, Guardian, Washington Post, New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Her latest book, A Mudlarking Year, has received extensive praise: “A dazzling patchwork of the past” (Tracy Borman); “Truly inspirational” (Nicola Tallis) & “A beautiful reflection on what it is to be human” (Helen Carr)

Book signing available 

The year 1533 changed everything for Henry VIII and his kingdom. By the end of it, England had a new queen, Anne Boleyn, a new church and a new royal heir, the future Elizabeth I. This turbulent year was captured forever by the Hans Holbein, the most famous court painter of the age. The Ambassadors, which is seen by millions of visitors to the National Gallery each year, is full of hidden meanings and symbols that have remained hidden for 500 years. Based on her new book, Tracy’s illustrated talk will unlock the mysteries of this painting and reveal the secrets that it tells us about the Tudor court.

Dr Tracy Borman OBE is a well-known historian, broadcaster and author. She has written numerous books on the history of the monarchy, most recently: Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother & Daughter Who Changed History. CEO of the Heritage Education Trust and Chief Historian of Historic Royal Palaces, she is also Chancellor and Professor of Tudor History at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln.

Book signing available 

In converstaion with Chris Laoutaris, chaired by festival host, Jo Durrant.

In 1623 thirty-six of Shakespeare’s plays were published in one astonishing ‘folio’. Who created this extraordinary tribute and why? How did they 'save' Shakespeare's legacy in the process? Why was this an unusual project and what challenges were faced? Expert Dr Chris Laoutaris will take you back in time to the creation of the legend: William Shakespeare.

To memorialise a friend; to honour a genius; to create a legend. Through loss, trials and tragedies the makers of the First Folio gave the world Shakespeare’s collected works in 1623, when Mr William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies hit the bookstalls for the first time. Of the thirty-six plays included within it, eighteen may never have survived without the efforts of those who created, crafted, and printed what is arguably one of the most significant literary conservation projects in history.

Who fashioned this extraordinary tribute to William Shakespeare? What challenges and obstacles did they face? How was the First Folio put together and was it an unusual book for its time? Find out the answers to these questions.

Dr Chris Laoutaris is an Associate Professor at The Shakespeare Institute (University of Birmingham), Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Fellow of various societies including the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Arts. His book "Shakespeare’s Book: The Intertwined Lives Behind the First Folio" was Book of the Year (BBC History, BBC Radio 4 Front Row Non-Fiction, & Financial Times Best Summer Book). He is a well respected author of numerous academic and commercial publications, a poetry collection, articles for newspapers and literary magazines, and has served as a historical and Shakespearean consultant to the RSC and film production companies.

Book signing available 

The amazing Tudor world of fashion revealed! Discover the evolution of Tudor fashion, extending far beyond clothing to include beard styles, furniture, home decoration, perfumes, dance, and entertainment. You will discover the contrasting styles of court and countryside, the influences of Catholic and Protestant tastes, and the rise of subculture in this transformative era from one of the history world’s most fascinating speakers. 

Ruth Goodman is a social and domestic historian working in television (presenting and consulting on several highly successful prime-time television series), also in theatre, film, museums and educational establishments. She is an international bestselling author with How to be a Tudor and also How to be a Victorian and most recently How to Behave Badly in Renaissance Britain and The Domestic Revolution – How the Introduction of Coal into our Victorian Homes Changed Everything.​

Book signing available 

Join Hall Manager Phil Downing for a fascinating exploration to the psychological toll on confinement in one of history's most secretive spaces. Drawing on his own experience of spending 36 hours locked inside a priest hole, Phil reflects on the harrowing true stories of 16th and 17th century priests, who risked capture for their faith. Discover how these individuals endured days or even weeks in hiding and hear tales of daring escapes and captures. Phil will compare these historical accounts with his own time in the cramped, dark confines of a priest hole, offering unique insight into the resilience and struggles of those who lived through Catholic persecution. 

Phil Downing is the manager of Harvington Hall, and his love for history is truly contagious. Known for his engaging talks at historical societies, where he captivates audiences, Phil’s main area of expertise lies in the intriguing realm of priest holes. His dedication is evident after spending 36hrs inside a priest hole for charity. In addition to speaking engagements, Phil regularly features on podcasts. 

Katherine of Aragon was born into one of the most powerful and warlike families in Europe. She was the youngest of five children who had royal parents, KingFerdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castille. Many in her family died young and madness stalked each generation. Katherine arrived in England to marry Arthur, Prince of Wales, of the new Tudor dynasty but within months of the marriage, he was dead, and she was effectively abandoned for six years with little money and poor care.When the glittering young Henry VIII leapt upon the throne of England he married Katherine and she became Queen. After a very happy start to the marriage they went on to suffer a series of miscarriages. Their son died within weeks of his birth but their daughter, Mary, would become Queen Mary 1st. Henry desperately wanted a male heir and after more than 20 years of marriage to Katherine, he divorced her to marry Anne Boleyn. Katherine died in isolation, near poverty and ill health when she was just 50 years old.

Lesley Smith is an English Scholar, historian and heritage publicist. She is formerly the curator of Tutbury Castle where Mary was imprisoned. Perhaps she is best known for her performances on stage as Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I. Described as: “A remarkable social historian of the 16th Century who is passionate about and committed to raising public understanding of the subject” (Conferment of Hon Masters University of Derby 2006)