Education
Free tickets for schools for the Autumn Festival are available again in 2026.
Free tickets are limited!
Teaching staff, lecturers, school and university students and home educators are all included in the offer.
Gloucester History Festival
Schools Afternoon
Friday 18 September 2026
4 – 5 pm
Henry VIII: The Last Years
Andrew Johnston & Joanne Paul
Free to schools students and teachers
What really happened during the final, dangerous years of Henry VIII’s reign? Tudor historians Andrew Johnston and Joanne Paul explore a court scarred by the break with Rome, the destruction of the monasteries and the execution of Thomas More. As Henry’s health failed, Catherine Parr, Thomas Cranmer, the Howards and the Seymours struggled for influence, while royal secretary William Paget drafted the King’s will and helped shape the succession. Discover the deadly power politics that determined how Tudor England would survive Henry’s death.
The Education Offer is back with 20 fantastic events for you to enjoy this Autumn Festival.
For a flavour of what will be available this autumn, the following 4 talks will be included in the Autumn 2026 Education Offer. Full details of all 20 talks available to book from 31 July.
1. Sun 13 Sep: Weimar Germany: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe with Katja Hoyer
2. Tue 15 Sep: Lady Jane Grey: Crown of Blood with Nicola Tallis
3. Wed 16 Sep: Reds: How Communism Shaped the World with Paul Mason
4. Fri 18 Sep: Who Was to Blame for the Wars of the Roses? with Matthew Lewis, Nathen Amin & Nicola Tallis
Free tickets are activated by using the code *EDUCATION at checkout.
Gloucestershire Heritage Ambassadors 2026
We’re delighted to be supporting the 2026 Gloucestershire Heritage Ambassadors
Scheme for young historians aged 16-18 organised by Voices Gloucester. This year’s programme will include free tickets to the Spring Weekend 17-19 April and the chance to meet some of Britain’s leading historians and academics.
Find out more by contacting:
*Education Offer Terms and Conditions:
Free tickets are available for school groups, individual learners, home educators, university students and teachers (teachers could book a free ticket with or without a school group) for the in person talks. Free tickets are activated by using the code EDUCATION at checkout.
A maximum of 15 free tickets are available to each school per event.
Age range: Age 14+.
Ticket numbers are limited and if you’ve booked using the code EDUCATION you may be asked to show your school/student/university ID at the door.
This autumn students and teachers can claim free access tickets to 20 events.
Email with any questions or queries.
Free tickets offer subject to availability
Resources
Aethelflaed Education Pack
Aimed at upper KS2, the Aethelflaed Education Pack includes resources and activities all about Gloucester’s Anglo-Saxon Warrior Queen. Written by local teacher, Alyson Meredith, and illustrated by Kate Sheppard, the pack was created in 2018 as part of a city-wide programme to celebrate the life of this influential but often overlooked female leader 1,110 years after her death. If you would like to request a hard-copy, please email
Gloucester’s heritage and cultural education brochure
This brochure summarises educational resources and opportunities all within 10 minutes walking distance within Gloucester City Centre. It was launched during the 2019 History Festival, and resulted from a collaboration between Gloucester Culture Trust and Gloucester Heritage Forum. We look forward to welcoming you to Gloucester.
Join our
mailing list
Sign up for the latest news & event updates.