History Day

Guildford Book Festival

Enjoy a day with some of your favourite authors in the historic surroundings of West Horsley Place, with lunch included.

West Horsley Place

Four renowned historians in one day; Simon Heffer, Martin Williams, Tracy Borman &amp; Alison Weir•	Opportunity to meet the authors and have books signed•. Learn more about Britain's story in an historic setting•	Optional tour of the house at reduced price of £7 (usually £10)•	Free access to the extensive grounds during breaks•	Light lunch included (please specify which sandwich filling you would like)•	Free parking

Simon Heffer – Sing As We Go: Britain Between the WarsSimon returns to Guildford to give an astonishingly ambitious overview of the political, social and cultural history of the country from 1919 to 1939. He explores and explains the politics of the period, putting moments of national turmoil such as the General Strike of 1926 and the Abdication Crisis of 1936 under the microscope. Sing As We Go, traces the changing face of Britain as cars made their first mass appearance, the suburbs sprawled, and radio and cinema became the means of mass entertainment.

Martin Williams – The King is Dead, Long Live the King! Majesty, Mourning and Modernity in Edwardian BritainWhen King Edward VII - glamorous, cosmopolitan and extraordinarily popular - died in May 1910, the political, social and cultural anxieties of a nation in turmoil were temporarily set aside during a summer of intense and ritualised mourning. Against a backdrop of bereavement and Parliamentary crisis overshadowed by the gathering clouds of war, a people caught between past and future, tradition and modernity, unite to bid farewell to a much-loved monarch who had personified his age.

Tracy Borman – Anne Boleyn &amp; Elizabeth I – The Mother &amp; Daughter Who Changed HistoryAnne Boleyn and Elizabeth I. Their stories are as familiar as they are compelling. Henry VIII’s obsessive love for Anne turning to disappointment when she failed to give him a son, her bloody death on the scaffold barely three years after being crowned queen. Elizabeth’s turbulent path to the throne, her glorious reign – a ‘Golden Age’ with overseas adventurers, royal favourites, the vanquishing of the Armada, all presided over by the self-styled Virgin Queen. And yet, their stories have never been told together.Piecing together evidence uncovered while researching her new book, Tracy reveals Anne Boleyn’s relationship with, and influence over her daughter Elizabeth. In so doing, she sheds new light on an extraordinary mother and daughter who changed the course of British history forever.

Alison Weir – Henry VIII: The Heart &amp; The CrownIn grand royal palaces, Prince Harry grows up dreaming of knights and chivalry – and the golden age of kings that awaits his older brother. But Arthur’s untimely death sees Harry crowned King Henry of England. As his power and influence extends, so commences a lifelong battle between head and heart, love and duty. Henry rules by divine right, yet his prayers for a son go unanswered. The future of his great dynasty depends on an heir. And the crown weighs heavy on a king with all but his one true desire.

Take a Tour of the manor house in your History Day lunch break. Stretch your legs and absorb more wonderful historic stories with a visit to the manor house at lunch time. Dating from 1425, Grade I listed and packed full of amazing connections to major historic figures, the most prestigious rooms will be open to wander through on a free-flow route. West Horsley Place's most famous owner is Henry VIII, in fact, he liked it so much he owned it twice! There will be expert stewards in each room to tell you some of our remarkable stories including why Elizabeth I had a theatre built in the gardens, about Guy Fawkes' time as a footman here, how Walter Raleigh's head ended up under the stairs, and many more. Tours cost £7 per person. To book add on the tour at the checkout.

Light lunch includes a sandwich, packet of crisps, piece of fruit and small mini bite.There is a coffee van on-site so bring your reusable cup with you. We will have tap water and cordial available so bring a water bottle with you.

History Day

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History Day

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Discover more events from Guildford Book Festival, from Community to other experiences you might love.

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