Chelsea History Festival

Immerse yourself in a celebration of history and heritage in the heart of iconic Chelsea. The first-ever Chelsea History Festival will bring the past to life with over 35 events including talks, workshops, music and family fun. The National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden host world-class speakers, authors, historians and performers.

An impressive line-up of speakers includes the celebrated writer Max Hastings sharing insights from his new book Chastise: the Dambusters Story, Sonia Purnell on A Woman of No Importance – her compelling account of the Second World War’s most dangerous spy – and David Nott relating his dramatic experiences as a surgeon in Aleppo.

Music-lovers can indulge in everything from a rousing military big band to Ralph Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending – voted Britain’s favourite piece of classical music – and a performance by leading baritone Roderick Williams.

There’s also plenty to keep children amused, with a choice of immersive games, marching drills and hands-on activities. And all the family can enjoy enlightening history walks, exciting first-hand stories from the likes of Thameside mudlarker Lara Maiklem, and even a medieval archer, transported to modern-day Chelsea from 15th-century Agincourt.