Southwark Cathedral’s 2026 History Book Festival brings authors together for a day of talks celebrating history’s stories, themes and voices

Step into the past at Southwark Cathedral’s 2026 History Book Festival, where centuries of heritage provide the perfect backdrop for a celebration of historical storytelling.

This day will bring together authors whose work explores different eras, themes and perspectives from across history. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a rich programme of author talks, offering the chance to hear from leading historians and writes about the stories that shaped our world. From ancient to modern history, this festival highlights a diverse range of topics and voices.

This event is part of Southwark Cathedral’s Social Justice Programme.

Programme

Nave

10.30am - 11.30am | Alison Weir: Six Tudor Queens: The Wives of Henry VIII

12 - 1pm | Siobhan Clarke: 'Gloriana: Elizabeth I and the art of Queenship'

1.30pm - 2.30pm | Victoria Shepherd: 'Stony Jack and the Lost Jewels of Cheapside'

Library

10am - 11am | Jo Durrant with guest Dr Elizabeth Norton

12 - 1pm | Anne Sebba: 'Wallis Simpson, That Woman'

2pm - 3pm | Andrew Kenrick: 'Rex Juba: 15 glimpses of an African King'

4pm - 5pm | Brian Groom: 'These Isles'

6pm - 7pm | Dr Erica Canela: 'Zealous: A darker side of the Early Quakers'

JTW

11.00am - 12:00 | Nicola Rayner: 'The Paris Dancer'

12.30pm - 1.30pm | Jo Durrant with guest Melanie Backe-Hansen

2.30pm - 3.30pm | Nicholas Travers: 'Victorian Britain: Day by Day'

4.30pm - 5.30pm | Barney Campbell: 'The Fires of Gallipoli'

6pm - 7pm | Debbie Kilroy: 'Members Behaving Badly'

Accessibility

Please note, currently there are certain areas of the Cathedral that are not accessible to wheelchair users, but we are working to improve our facilities. There is a platform lift to access the Cathedral. The Nave is accessible for wheelchairs from the Millennium Courtyard entrance via a platform lift. There are ramps into the South Transept. Access to the Retrochoir, High Altar and Choir is via the doors from the South Transept, into the Churchyard and back into the Cathedral via the Parish Door. The Library and JTW rooms are both accessible by stairs or lift.

Visitors who require assistance due to disability are able to book a carer/companion ticket free of charge.

Accessible toilet facilities are located on the Ground Floor at the end of Lancelot’s Link, other is in the basement near to the Cathedral Café and can be accessed by the passenger lift. Both toilets need a radar key which can be obtained from a Cathedral team member.

Description supplied by the event organiser.