Chalke Introduces: Meet the Future of History

At this year’s Chalke History Festival, we’re shining a spotlight on the rising stars from the world of History. Chalke Introduces is your chance to discover the freshest voices and boldest thinkers – emerging historians, authors, and storytellers who are reshaping how we explore and understand the past.

Join us as we welcome the next generation of talent making their mark on history.

From buried secrets to digital storytelling, this year’s Chalke Introduces line-up covers a fascinating range of topics – delving into archaeology, royal intrigue, empire, medieval spirituality, and the rich architectural heritage of Britain. Come and listen to our Chalke Introduces speakers at these events:

ALL Talks are included in your entrance ticket.

15. Toxic Love: Power, Betrayal And Scandal Through The Ages
Zack White with Eleanor Janega, Estelle Paranque and Shalina Patel | 16:45 – 17:45 | Tue, 24 June

26. Crown Of Thorns: Humble Gods And Humiliated Kings
Faith Tibble | 20:30 – 21:30 | Tue, 24 June

32. When Science Meets History: The Coded Letters Of Mary Queen Of Scots
Jackson van Uden with Estelle Paranque, Alexander Courtney and George Lasry. | 12:00 – 12:45 | Wed, 25 June

82. Ukraine: The Latest Live – with Nobel Peace Prize Winner Oleksandra Matviichuk
Francis Dearnley with Nobel Peace Prize Winner Oleksandra Matviichuk and Dominic Nicholls | 10:15 – 11:15 | Fri, 27 June

112. The Archaeology Of Romany Gypsies
John-Henry Phillips 10:00 – 11:00 | Sat, 28 June

113. 1066 And All That! Important Dates in British History
Alice Loxton, Charlie Higson, Helen Carr and Al Murray | 10:15 – 11:15 | Sat, 28 June

114. The Tower
Flora Carr | 11:15 – 12:00 | Sat, 28 June

119. The Second World War: Why We Still Remember
Adam Hart, John-Henry Phillips and Alex Bescoby, with Veteran Colin Bell | 13:00 – 14:00 | Sat, 28 June

121. Empire Without End: A New History Of Britain And The Caribbean
Imaobong Umoren | 14:00 – 14:45 | Sat, 28 June

124: Forgotten Footprints: Revoicing the Past in the Digital World
Han Parker and Steph Black | 15:15 – 16:00 | Sat, 28 June

127. Speak Well of the Dead: Memorialising Historic Figures
Alice Loxton and Georgia Heneage | 16:15 – 17:15 | Sat, 28 June

128. Heroes and Sinners: The Lives of Medieval Saints
Luke Daly and Amy Jeffs | 16:30 – 17:15 | Sat, 28 June

132. Shattered Lands: Five Partitions And The Making Of Modern Asia
Sam Dalrymple | 17:45 – 18:30 | Sat, 28 June

144. Motherland: A Journey Through 500,000 Years Of African Culture And Identity
Luke Pepera | 11:15 – 12:00 | Sun, 29 June

149. Old Buildings, New Visitors: Bringing Heritage to a 21st Century Audience
Jack Chesher, Daniel Wilson and Alfred Hawkins | 12:45 – 13:30 | Sun, 29 June

153. The Graces: The Extraordinary Untold Lives of Women at the Restoration Court
Breeze Barrington in conversation with Laura Bailey | 14:00 – 14:45 | Sun, 29 June

156. History Gossip: Was Anne Of Cleves A Minger?
Katie Kennedy with Alice Loxton | 15:15 – 16:00 | Sun, 29 June

Student Offer for 2025

Inspiring the next generation of historians and history enthusiasts

Students can now purchase a daily, 3-day and weekly festival ticket for half the price of a standard ticket. Students also save 50% off festival camping.

Dive into a week-long festival brimming with excitement. Watch stimulating talks, vibrant performances and engage with historical experts. Try your hand at traditional crafts, explore living history camps, and taste historical delicacies.

Festival tickets now include access to all talks.

See the full festival programme here. 

Join Us At The UK’s Leading History Festival

Entrance and talk tickets are now on sale – click here.

Sign up to the Chalke History Festival newsletter here and check chalkefestival.com for updates.