Chalke Introduces: Meet the Future of History

Chalke Introduces 2026 brings together some of the most exciting young historians and history communicators working today, offering fresh perspectives on everything from medieval queens and Tudor intrigue to disability history, queer history, art, fashion, and folklore. Across talks, panels, and live discussions, these speakers combine rigorous research with accessible storytelling, making complex histories vivid, engaging, and deeply relevant.

Join us as we welcome the next generation of talent making their mark on history.

See The Full Programme For Chalke 2026

Students save 50% off all tickets and festival camping

The programme highlights a new generation of historians who are reshaping how history is shared with wider audiences; through social media, public history, performance, and interdisciplinary research. Whether exploring overlooked voices, reinterpreting familiar periods, or uncovering hidden stories, these talks showcase history as dynamic, inclusive, and alive. Come and listen to our Chalke Introduces speakers at these events:

ALL Talks are included in your entrance ticket.

Tuesday, 23 June

17:30 – 18:30 – 7. Behind the Curtain: Stagecraft in the Age of Shakespeare – Breeze Barrington, Daniel Swift and Will Tosh
18:45 – 19:30 – 9. The Cardinal’s Spies: Wolsey, Henry VIII and the Race to Save Christendom – Charlotte Gauthier

Wednesday, 24 June

10:00 – 11:00 – 13. Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife: The Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women – Hetta Howes and Eleanor Janega

Thursday, 25 June

10:00 – 10:45 – 43. Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen – Alice Loxton
10:00 – 11:00 – 42. Vanbrugh at 300: The Rockstar of the English Baroque – Rory Fraser, Ophelia Field, Geoffrey Heath-Taylor and Charles Saumarez Smith

Friday, 26 June

14:30 – 15:15 – 84. When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve Africa Queens and Warriors – Paula Akpan
16:00 – 17:00 – 87. Women Warriors Through the Ages – Luke Pepera, Eleanor Janega, Estelle Paranque and Zack White

Saturday, 27 June

10:00 – 10:45 –102. C.H.A.L.K.E: The History of the English Language in 6 Letters – Danny Bate
11:30 – 12:30 – 106. Georgian Feasting – Amy Boyington and Peter Ross
13:15 – 14:00 – 108. Overlooked Histories: Disability in Antiquity – Kyle Lewis Jordan and Steph Black
14:30 – 15:15 – 112. The Story of Tudor Art: A History of Tudor England Through It’s Art and Objects – Christina Faraday
15:45 – 16:30 – 116. The Queer Thing About Sin: Why the West Came to Hate Queer Love – Harry Tanner
17:15 – 18:00 – 120. The History of Art in One Sentence: 500 Years of Art But Funny – Verity Babbs
19:00 – 20:00 – 121. Alice and Her History Friends – Alice Loxton, Ruby Gray, Dr Rebecca Marks and Georgiana Davies

Sunday, 28 June

10:00 – 10:45 – 130. The Tudor Book Club – Kate McCaffrey
11:15 – 12:00 – 134. A Simple Question That Brings History to Life – Charlie Eve with Jackson Van Uden
11:15 – 12:15 – 133. Where Power Lies: Intimacy and Intrigue at Court – Kate McCaffrey, Estelle Paranque, Gabby Storey and Shalina Patel
12:45 – 13:30 – 137. Operation Pimento: My Great Grandfather’s Escape – Adam Hart
14:00 – 14:45 – 141. Haunted Histories: The Gothic Explained – Rebecca Marks
15:15 – 16:15 – 144. Clothing: Past, Present, Practical – Luke Tomes, Bernadette Banner and Jimmy Johnson

Student Offer for 2026

Inspiring the next generation of historians and history enthusiasts

Students can now purchase a daily, 3-day and weekly festival ticket for half the price of a standard ticket. Students also save 50% off festival camping.

Dive into a week-long festival brimming with excitement. Watch stimulating talks, vibrant performances and engage with historical experts.
Try your hand at traditional crafts, explore living history camps, and taste historical delicacies.

Festival tickets include access to all talks.