HistFest
@histfest.bsky.social
The best history events and courses all year round.
Is the pen mightier than the sword? With the outbreak of war, there’s an explosion of 'fake news'.
Listen to the latest episode of UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. Hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social & produced by HistFest Productions for @historyextra.bsky.social.
🎧 play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
Listen to the latest episode of UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. Hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social & produced by HistFest Productions for @historyextra.bsky.social.
🎧 play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
November 18, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Is the pen mightier than the sword? With the outbreak of war, there’s an explosion of 'fake news'.
Listen to the latest episode of UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. Hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social & produced by HistFest Productions for @historyextra.bsky.social.
🎧 play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
Listen to the latest episode of UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. Hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social & produced by HistFest Productions for @historyextra.bsky.social.
🎧 play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
It's war!
Episode 3 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced by HistFest Productions for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by historian @rebeccarideal.bsky.social.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
Episode 3 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced by HistFest Productions for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by historian @rebeccarideal.bsky.social.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM
It's war!
Episode 3 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced by HistFest Productions for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by historian @rebeccarideal.bsky.social.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
Episode 3 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced by HistFest Productions for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by historian @rebeccarideal.bsky.social.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
*TONIGHT*
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
November 10, 2025 at 7:32 AM
*TONIGHT*
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
AN EVENING WITH JANINA RAMIREZ
Mon 17 November | @storyhouselive.bsky.social, Chester
Celebrated medievalist and Sunday Times bestselling author, @drjaninaramirez.bsky.social takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the lives of medieval women.
Book now www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/an-...
Mon 17 November | @storyhouselive.bsky.social, Chester
Celebrated medievalist and Sunday Times bestselling author, @drjaninaramirez.bsky.social takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the lives of medieval women.
Book now www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/an-...
November 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM
AN EVENING WITH JANINA RAMIREZ
Mon 17 November | @storyhouselive.bsky.social, Chester
Celebrated medievalist and Sunday Times bestselling author, @drjaninaramirez.bsky.social takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the lives of medieval women.
Book now www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/an-...
Mon 17 November | @storyhouselive.bsky.social, Chester
Celebrated medievalist and Sunday Times bestselling author, @drjaninaramirez.bsky.social takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the lives of medieval women.
Book now www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/an-...
Strafford is dead - what next for King Charles I?
Episode 2 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
Episode 2 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
November 4, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Strafford is dead - what next for King Charles I?
Episode 2 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
Episode 2 of our brand new podcast, UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS, is out now!
Produced for the @historyextra.bsky.social podcast and hosted by @rebeccarideal.bsky.social
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. play.megaphone.fm/quvuyhkqs66t...
We have selected two titans for November’s History Book Club!
NONFICTION – Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
FICTION – Regeneration by Pat Barker
Meetings are early in December to give you more time to read. The book club is free and open to all. Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
NONFICTION – Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
FICTION – Regeneration by Pat Barker
Meetings are early in December to give you more time to read. The book club is free and open to all. Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
November 1, 2025 at 12:19 PM
We have selected two titans for November’s History Book Club!
NONFICTION – Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
FICTION – Regeneration by Pat Barker
Meetings are early in December to give you more time to read. The book club is free and open to all. Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
NONFICTION – Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
FICTION – Regeneration by Pat Barker
Meetings are early in December to give you more time to read. The book club is free and open to all. Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
VAMPIRES AREN’T REAL, RIGHT? …RIGHT?
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
October 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM
VAMPIRES AREN’T REAL, RIGHT? …RIGHT?
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
To celebrate Halloween, we’re thrilled to share a special interview with historian John Blair about his riveting new book, Killing the Dead: Vampire Epidemics from Mesopotamia to the New World. open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
*ANNOUNCEMENT*
We are excited to announce a brand new podcast series: UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. A six-part series produced by HistFest Productions for the HistoryExtra podcast.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
We are excited to announce a brand new podcast series: UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. A six-part series produced by HistFest Productions for the HistoryExtra podcast.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
October 28, 2025 at 9:20 AM
*ANNOUNCEMENT*
We are excited to announce a brand new podcast series: UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. A six-part series produced by HistFest Productions for the HistoryExtra podcast.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
We are excited to announce a brand new podcast series: UPRISING: THE CIVIL WARS. A six-part series produced by HistFest Productions for the HistoryExtra podcast.
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Circle of Days is out now www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/ken-f...
October 27, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Circle of Days is out now www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/ken-f...
To celebrate the launch of @kenfollettauthor.bsky.social gripping new book, Circle of Days, we speak to him about writing, researching & creating masterful works of historical fiction.
Watch full interview open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
Watch full interview open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
October 27, 2025 at 2:53 PM
To celebrate the launch of @kenfollettauthor.bsky.social gripping new book, Circle of Days, we speak to him about writing, researching & creating masterful works of historical fiction.
Watch full interview open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
Watch full interview open.substack.com/pub/histfest...
📣 STARTING NEXT WEEK!
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
October 22, 2025 at 6:59 AM
📣 STARTING NEXT WEEK!
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
*HISTORY BOOK CLUB*
We’re looking forward to continuing our reading journey with you. New members very welcome! Our titles for October are:
NONFICTION - An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi
FICTION - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
We’re looking forward to continuing our reading journey with you. New members very welcome! Our titles for October are:
NONFICTION - An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi
FICTION - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
September 25, 2025 at 8:49 AM
*HISTORY BOOK CLUB*
We’re looking forward to continuing our reading journey with you. New members very welcome! Our titles for October are:
NONFICTION - An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi
FICTION - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
We’re looking forward to continuing our reading journey with you. New members very welcome! Our titles for October are:
NONFICTION - An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi
FICTION - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Sign up histfest.org/history-book...
ONLINE COURSE
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
To mark this year's Halloween, we’re giving you another chance to sign up to Jasmine Elmer’s hugely popular online course. Follow at your own pace.
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
To mark this year's Halloween, we’re giving you another chance to sign up to Jasmine Elmer’s hugely popular online course. Follow at your own pace.
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
September 17, 2025 at 7:20 AM
ONLINE COURSE
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
To mark this year's Halloween, we’re giving you another chance to sign up to Jasmine Elmer’s hugely popular online course. Follow at your own pace.
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
CLASSICAL MONSTERS WITH JASMINE ELMER
Starts: 7pm, Thurs 30 Oct | Follow at own pace
To mark this year's Halloween, we’re giving you another chance to sign up to Jasmine Elmer’s hugely popular online course. Follow at your own pace.
Book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/classical-...
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Thurs 6 Nov | British Library
Was Islam present in medieval and early modern England? What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
Thurs 6 Nov | British Library
Was Islam present in medieval and early modern England? What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
September 5, 2025 at 2:26 PM
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Thurs 6 Nov | British Library
Was Islam present in medieval and early modern England? What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
Thurs 6 Nov | British Library
Was Islam present in medieval and early modern England? What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
Dr Fern Riddell and Dr Matthew Sweet take to the stage. What is Victoria’s Secret…? 💕
July 24, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Dr Fern Riddell and Dr Matthew Sweet take to the stage. What is Victoria’s Secret…? 💕
👑 VICTORIA’S SECRET 👑
We’re delighted to announce that Dr Matthew Sweet will chair our exciting event with Dr Fern Riddell this Thursday at the British Library!
▪️7pm, Thurs 24 July
▪️book now (£6-£12) histfest.org/victorias-se...
We’re delighted to announce that Dr Matthew Sweet will chair our exciting event with Dr Fern Riddell this Thursday at the British Library!
▪️7pm, Thurs 24 July
▪️book now (£6-£12) histfest.org/victorias-se...
July 21, 2025 at 8:10 AM
👑 VICTORIA’S SECRET 👑
We’re delighted to announce that Dr Matthew Sweet will chair our exciting event with Dr Fern Riddell this Thursday at the British Library!
▪️7pm, Thurs 24 July
▪️book now (£6-£12) histfest.org/victorias-se...
We’re delighted to announce that Dr Matthew Sweet will chair our exciting event with Dr Fern Riddell this Thursday at the British Library!
▪️7pm, Thurs 24 July
▪️book now (£6-£12) histfest.org/victorias-se...
👑 VICTORIA’S SECRET 👑
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
July 15, 2025 at 7:29 AM
👑 VICTORIA’S SECRET 👑
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
👑 VICTORIA’S SECRET 👑
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
June 30, 2025 at 3:58 PM
👑 VICTORIA’S SECRET 👑
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
With @drfernriddell.bsky.social
From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria’s household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know?
Book now events.bl.uk/events/victo...
HISTORY BOOK CLUB
Summer Reads
New and old members welcome.
We’ll reconvene at the end of September to discuss the summer books.
Please note, you don’t have to read every title but there will be prizes for those of you who do!
Sign up here histfest.org/history-book...
Summer Reads
New and old members welcome.
We’ll reconvene at the end of September to discuss the summer books.
Please note, you don’t have to read every title but there will be prizes for those of you who do!
Sign up here histfest.org/history-book...
June 29, 2025 at 1:57 PM
HISTORY BOOK CLUB
Summer Reads
New and old members welcome.
We’ll reconvene at the end of September to discuss the summer books.
Please note, you don’t have to read every title but there will be prizes for those of you who do!
Sign up here histfest.org/history-book...
Summer Reads
New and old members welcome.
We’ll reconvene at the end of September to discuss the summer books.
Please note, you don’t have to read every title but there will be prizes for those of you who do!
Sign up here histfest.org/history-book...
📣 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
To mark the release of her eagerly anticipated new book, VICTORIA’S SECRET: THE PRIVATE PASSION OF A QUEEN, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new event with historian and author Dr Fern Riddell
7pm, Thurs 24 July | British Library
Book now: histfest.org/victorias-se...
To mark the release of her eagerly anticipated new book, VICTORIA’S SECRET: THE PRIVATE PASSION OF A QUEEN, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new event with historian and author Dr Fern Riddell
7pm, Thurs 24 July | British Library
Book now: histfest.org/victorias-se...
June 11, 2025 at 12:18 PM
📣 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
To mark the release of her eagerly anticipated new book, VICTORIA’S SECRET: THE PRIVATE PASSION OF A QUEEN, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new event with historian and author Dr Fern Riddell
7pm, Thurs 24 July | British Library
Book now: histfest.org/victorias-se...
To mark the release of her eagerly anticipated new book, VICTORIA’S SECRET: THE PRIVATE PASSION OF A QUEEN, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new event with historian and author Dr Fern Riddell
7pm, Thurs 24 July | British Library
Book now: histfest.org/victorias-se...
🎧 DESTROYER OF WORLDS
*New All Things History episode*
@rebeccarideal.bsky.social speaks to Frank Close, Professor Emeritus of Theoretical Physics at Oxford University, about his new book, Destroyer of Worlds: The Deep History of the Nuclear Age. Full ep: histfest.substack.com/p/destroyer-...
*New All Things History episode*
@rebeccarideal.bsky.social speaks to Frank Close, Professor Emeritus of Theoretical Physics at Oxford University, about his new book, Destroyer of Worlds: The Deep History of the Nuclear Age. Full ep: histfest.substack.com/p/destroyer-...
June 10, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🎧 DESTROYER OF WORLDS
*New All Things History episode*
@rebeccarideal.bsky.social speaks to Frank Close, Professor Emeritus of Theoretical Physics at Oxford University, about his new book, Destroyer of Worlds: The Deep History of the Nuclear Age. Full ep: histfest.substack.com/p/destroyer-...
*New All Things History episode*
@rebeccarideal.bsky.social speaks to Frank Close, Professor Emeritus of Theoretical Physics at Oxford University, about his new book, Destroyer of Worlds: The Deep History of the Nuclear Age. Full ep: histfest.substack.com/p/destroyer-...
A huge thank you to @stephenmcgann.uk and Heidi Thomas for a WONDERFUL afternoon @storyhouselive.bsky.social today!
June 8, 2025 at 7:52 PM
A huge thank you to @stephenmcgann.uk and Heidi Thomas for a WONDERFUL afternoon @storyhouselive.bsky.social today!
*STARTING THIS WEEK*
You’re cordially invited to…
MEET THE TON: THE REAL HISTORY OF FASHIONABLE SOCIETY IN GEORGIAN LONDON
A four week online course with historian, author and historical advisor, Dr Hannah Greig.
Start date: 7pm, Thurs 29 May
Sign up (£40) www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-t...
You’re cordially invited to…
MEET THE TON: THE REAL HISTORY OF FASHIONABLE SOCIETY IN GEORGIAN LONDON
A four week online course with historian, author and historical advisor, Dr Hannah Greig.
Start date: 7pm, Thurs 29 May
Sign up (£40) www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-t...
May 26, 2025 at 9:23 AM
*STARTING THIS WEEK*
You’re cordially invited to…
MEET THE TON: THE REAL HISTORY OF FASHIONABLE SOCIETY IN GEORGIAN LONDON
A four week online course with historian, author and historical advisor, Dr Hannah Greig.
Start date: 7pm, Thurs 29 May
Sign up (£40) www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-t...
You’re cordially invited to…
MEET THE TON: THE REAL HISTORY OF FASHIONABLE SOCIETY IN GEORGIAN LONDON
A four week online course with historian, author and historical advisor, Dr Hannah Greig.
Start date: 7pm, Thurs 29 May
Sign up (£40) www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-t...
📣 NEW ALL THINGS HISTORY PODCAST
What’s the real history behind A Thousand Blows?
Isabel Wilson sits down with boxing historian @oispooky.bsky.social to discuss 1880s boxing, Hezekiah Moscow and the real history behind Disney’s hit drama. Full episode histfest.substack.com/p/what-we-ha...
What’s the real history behind A Thousand Blows?
Isabel Wilson sits down with boxing historian @oispooky.bsky.social to discuss 1880s boxing, Hezekiah Moscow and the real history behind Disney’s hit drama. Full episode histfest.substack.com/p/what-we-ha...
May 25, 2025 at 4:20 PM
📣 NEW ALL THINGS HISTORY PODCAST
What’s the real history behind A Thousand Blows?
Isabel Wilson sits down with boxing historian @oispooky.bsky.social to discuss 1880s boxing, Hezekiah Moscow and the real history behind Disney’s hit drama. Full episode histfest.substack.com/p/what-we-ha...
What’s the real history behind A Thousand Blows?
Isabel Wilson sits down with boxing historian @oispooky.bsky.social to discuss 1880s boxing, Hezekiah Moscow and the real history behind Disney’s hit drama. Full episode histfest.substack.com/p/what-we-ha...
📣 HISTORY BOOK CLUB
We’re delighted to share June’s titles
📚 Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming (nonfiction)
📚 The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (fiction)
Come and join us. It’s free, friendly and open to all. histfest.org/history-book...
We’re delighted to share June’s titles
📚 Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming (nonfiction)
📚 The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (fiction)
Come and join us. It’s free, friendly and open to all. histfest.org/history-book...
May 25, 2025 at 10:40 AM
📣 HISTORY BOOK CLUB
We’re delighted to share June’s titles
📚 Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming (nonfiction)
📚 The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (fiction)
Come and join us. It’s free, friendly and open to all. histfest.org/history-book...
We’re delighted to share June’s titles
📚 Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming (nonfiction)
📚 The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (fiction)
Come and join us. It’s free, friendly and open to all. histfest.org/history-book...