Guildford Book Festival: History Day

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History Event

History Day at West Horsley Place

Nicola Tallis, SAUL DAVID, MELITA THOMAS & david gibbins

© Richard Lewisohn

• Four renowned historians in one day

• Learn more about Britain’s story in an historic setting

• Opportunity to meet the authors and have books signed

• Optional tour of the house at reduced price of £7

• Free access to the extensive grounds during breaks

Dr Nicola Tallis – Young Elizabeth: Princess, Prisoner, Queen

Acclaimed public Tudor historian, Nicola Tallis introduces her latest book, Young Elizabeth charting the iconic monarch’s perilous path to the throne. The loss of her parents, siblings and step-mothers, freedom and innocence, all shed light on the extraordinary Queen she became.


Told with all of the author’s characteristic verve and eye for fascinating period details... this is Elizabeth I as you have never seen her before.
— Tracy Borman

Saul David – Sky Warriors: British Airborne Forces in the Second World War

This riveting new history centres on the ‘Red Devils’, some of the finest combat troops of WWII. These parachutists and glider-borne troops served with distinction in every major theatre of the conflict – from the Bruneval Raid of February 1942 to Operation Varsity in March 1945, the biggest parachute drop in history. Sky Warriors is the first time the complete wartime story of the British airbourne forces has been told. 

The Sunday Times Bestselling History of the British Airborne Forces in WWII

Melita Thomas – 1000 Tudor People

Author and historian, Melita Thomas, gives a vivid insight into the characters who populate her critically acclaimed new book, 1000 Tudor People. Philosophers, gardeners, musicians, rebels, and witches populate this fascinating compendium of Tudor personalities.


This encyclopaedic work sets a gold standard in Tudor scholarship.
— Alison Weir

David Gibbins – A History Of The World In Twelve Shipwrecks

Drawing on decades of experience excavating shipwrecks around the world, renowned maritime archaeologist David Gibbins reveals the riches beneath the waves and talks about how the treasures found there can be a porthole to the past to tell a new story about the world and its underwater secrets.

Absolutely fascinating, beautifully written and impeccably researched.
— Professor Alice Roberts

Take a Tour of the manor house in your History Day lunch break

Tour costs £7 (usual price £10) and can be added to your basket at the EventBrite checkout.

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 freeflow 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.