Set against the stunning backdrop of Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, our history festival offers a unique opportunity to step into the past whilst engaging with some of today’s most exciting historical voices.
Returning for a third consecutive year, The History Festival At Hever Castle brings together an exceptional line-up of historians and authors, each presenting their latest research and books. This is a festival for seasoned history enthusiasts and all of us eager to connect with the past in a meaningful and memorable setting.
Hever Castle holds all the Boleyn secrets…
When nobleman Thomas Boleyn, lord of Hever Castle, is called to London in 1509 to present himself to a newly anointed King Henry VIII, he sets in train events that ensure the Boleyn name will never be forgotten.
Years later, as the King relentlessly pursues Thomas’s daughter Anne, Hever Castle becomes her refuge, where her trusted attendants and father must guide and protect her. Lavish gifts are sent by the King and the Boleyn family is given ever greater prominence at court, their glory shining over everything and everyone. Until ambition turns the family on itself, enemies press in and danger creeps through Hever’s halls. And as Henry’s gaze moves elsewhere when Anne cannot give him the heir he desperately seeks, the family faces a terrible, bloody fate.
In this illustrated talk based on her new novel, bestselling author, historian and broadcaster Tracy Borman brings the Boleyn family’s three-decade rise and precipitous fall to vivid life.
‘Tracy Borman introduces us to a new character in Anne Boleyn’s story: Hever Castle itself. Amidst the comings and goings inside the castle walls we witness Anne’s meteoric rise and terrifying fall, while also sharing in the trials and triumphs of a compelling cast of characters. Beautifully written, Borman turns a familiar story on its head and takes you deep into the Tudor world. This is historical fiction at its best.’ Elizabeth Norton
‘Think you know the story of the Boleyns? Think again. With an expert eye for detail and beautiful characterisation, Tracy Borman takes her readers on an epic journey back in time to the surroundings of the tranquil Hever Castle. There’s nothing tranquil about this story, though, which is full of the backbiting, power struggles and devastating heartbreak at the core of the Boleyn family’s rise and fall. Deliciously scandalous and breathtakingly brilliant, if you buy one book this spring, make it The House of Boleyn.’ Nicola Tallis
‘Sensational – you’ll never see the Boleyns in the same way again. A thrilling read, beautifully conjured and written. Anne bursts to vivid, passionate, determined life and Tracy’s Tudor expertise and scholarship transports you to Anne’s world – wonderful.’ Kate Williams
‘This is Downton Abbey meets Wolf Hall. The story of the Boleyns is told through their beautiful home, which Tracy Borman has brought to life. Wonderful!’ Gareth Russell
Tracy Borman is Chief Historian of Historic Royal Palaces, Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust, and Chancellor and Professor of Tudor History at Lincoln Bishop University. She is the author of many highly acclaimed books, including Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I; Crown and Sceptre; Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him; The Private Lives of the Tudors; Thomas Cromwell; Queen of the Conqueror; Elizabeth’s Women; Witches; as well as the trilogy of novels The King’s Witch, The Devil’s Slave, and The Fallen Angel. Borman is also a regular broadcaster and accomplished public speaker. She was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024 for services to heritage.
Tracys’ website can be found here: http://www.tracyborman.co.uk/
Tickets £25, £22.50 for Festival Friends and Members.
Join us for all three talks taking place on this day for £64.50 (discount applied automatically at the checkout)
Also playing today;
Owen Emmerson & Kate McCaffrey Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn
Fri 07 Aug St Peter’s Church Hever Castle, 11am
Helen Carr Sceptred Isle. A New History of the Fourteenth Century
Fri 07 Aug St Peter’s Church Hever Castle, 3pm
Located on the tranquil Two Sister’s Lawn, our theatre has one continuous roof, every auditorium seat is undercover and allocated. The roof section over the auditorium is transparent so you will be able to enjoy the stars above, as you watch The Stars on stage! The theatre walls will be open and, for selected events, the lawns either side become part of the auditorium.
Gates open at 6.30pm for evening performances. If you have attended the earlier talks on this day, you are welcome to stay in the gardens between events. Please make sure you are parked in the Lakeview Car Park by the end of the day. Other car parks will be locked when the castle closes.
Please check our access page for further information.
The theatre bar will be open before the event and during the interval (when applicable) for hot and cold drinks, snacks, ice cream and freshly made savoury and sweet crepes.
Pre-Theatre Supers are available before this performance in the Astor Wing Dining Room, inside Hever Castle. The menu is available to view here. Please note there are just 50 covers for dinner, we recommend you book early, alongside your theatre tickets to avoid disappointment. You can arrive at the Lakeview Car Park from 5.30pm to give you time to walk over to the castle via the theatre lawn. The route is available to view on our Access page.