Membership

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Join bestselling historian Janina Ramirez and Bayeux Tapestry expert David Musgrove to explore the questions you need answered in advance of the biggest historical exhibition of our times: the loan of the Tapestry to the British Museum in September 2026. They’ll explain all the things we know (and those we don’t) about the great visual record of the events of 1066. Join them to hear why people say it’s ‘coming home’ next year, find out who’s in the tapestry (and who’s not), why there’s much more to it than the battle of Hastings, and why it has some surprisingly rude bits in it.

In partnership with History Extra

£12

The ancient Silk Roads connecting Asia to Europe were the routes where empires rose and fell, ideas and goods flowed and the modern world began. It’s a decade since Peter Frankopan’s groundbreaking The Silk Roads was published. As the balance of global power shifts back towards Asia, he shares how events over the last ten years continue to reshape our understanding of the ancient networks that once connected East and West. In a dazzling talk he takes us on a new journey along the Silk Roads.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

The western dominated world we’ve known for the past 300 years is coming to an end. China is vying with the US for the top spot in the global economy and by 2050 India will be number two. As power shifts East, where does the West stand? Join the former Liberal Democrat leader, cabinet minister and top economist Vince Cable, as he explains with his trademark clarity what the future could bring. What might the political and economic landscape look like in 50 years time? And where does Britain stand?

£15

Frank Skinner is one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, broadcasters and writers. In a unique event he joins forces with Janina Ramirez for a witty, warm and fascinating journey into the past. From Sutton Hoo to Viking swords, ancient coins to amazing ruins they share their passion for history – with plenty of laughs along the way. Chaired by Janina Ramirez.

£14 / £7 Livestreamed

Join award-winning actress Celia Imrie, star of Victoria Wood, Bridget Jones and The Thursday Murder Club, she as she talks about her extraordinary career and her fascination with the resilience and camaraderie of women during World War II.

Together with actress and co-author Fidelis Morgan, she delves into the real life World War II events behind her recent book which explores the courageous lives of women in the London Blitz. As well as discussing her life as an actor, she shares photographs and news reels of the real women of the Home Front who inspire her.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Award-winning writer and broadcaster Alice Loxton delves into Britain’s past, exploring the country through eighteen notable figures at that most formative age – eighteen.  From a young Elizabeth Tudor facing deadly intrigue at court, to Empress Matilda, already changing the fate of nations, Eighteen invites you to join an eclectic cast of young Britons across the nation and throughout its history.  Filled with fascinating stories of royalty, explorers, writers and entertainers, Eighteen asks what lessons we can learn for modern Britain.

‘Utterly, utterly brilliant’. (Tracy Borman)

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Marking the 1100th anniversary of Aethelstan’s coronation, leading Cambridge historian David Woodman explores the reign of England’s founder king whose achievements of 927, when he conquered the Vikings at York, rival the Norman Conquest in shaping Britain as we know it. Starting in Gloucester, he traces the influence of Aethelflaed on her nephew Aethelstan, the importance of Mercia to the King and the legacy of a visionary ruler. After his talk he’s joined by City Archaeologist Andrew Armstrong who explores the significance of St Oswald’s Priory and chairs your questions.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson, postman, union leader and bestselling writer was a Labour MP for 20 years. There’s no one better placed to explore the life and achievements of the twice-elected Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson. He brings to life his award-winning biography revealing a portrait of a truly 20th century man, whose ‘white heat’ speech heralded a technological revolution and who was as much a part of the sixties as the Beatles and the Profumo Scandal. Chaired by Jo Durrant.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Michael Heseltine is one of the last great statesman and has been at the forefront of British politics for 60 years. The former deputy Prime Minister explores his political career, shares new revelations about his time in Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet in the 80s, John Major government in the 90s and when David Cameron returned him to the corridors of power. He offers a damning assessment of what he considers the self harm inflicted by Brexit and offers an urgent agenda to rebuild Britain. Chaired by Vernon Harwood.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Trailblazing historian Olivette Otele is a compelling voice reshaping our understanding of the past and its impact today. African Europeans, her acclaimed book, uncovered the long and complex history of people of African descent in Europe. Now in her forthcoming book she tells the story of 15 ports ranging from Amsterdam to Bristol, and the Bight of Biafra to the Virgin Islands, each one closely associated with five centuries of exploration, slave trading and empire building. Britain’s first Black female history professor, now a professor at SOAS, is in conversation with Janina Ramirez.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

In her new book, The  Stolen  Crown, leading historian and broadcaster Tracy Borman exposes the shocking truth behind Elizabeth I’s succession revealing a tale of treachery, deceit and dynastic drama at the heart of the Tudor throne. With tales of forged manuscripts and secret plots, her new research rewrites the 1603 handover of power between Elizabeth I and James VI of Scotland and she join us to offer a game-changing new perspective on the Stuart regime.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Step into a world of wonder as master magician Andi Gladwin joins bestselling psychology expert Richard Wiseman and presenter Steve Knibbs to uncover the dazzling history of conjuring. From 19th-century legends like Houdini to 20th-century greats including Derren Brown, discover the secrets behind the spectacles. With real tricks and live illusions performed before your very eyes, this spellbinding event promises surprises, sleight of hand and the magic of history brought thrillingly to life.

£12 / £7 Livestreamed

Join historian Steve Tibble for a compelling journey into the underworld of the crusades. Discover how the Crusaders, founded in the 11th century to protect pilgrims, became legendary for their brutal campaigns in the medieval Holy Land. Explore the shadowy rivalries, daring adventures and dark crimes of these warrior monks who travelled to Jerusalem and fought, killed and conspired in the name of faith.