Book here for the 7:30 talk on a new book which reveals surprising evidence about the relationship between Queen Victoria and John Brown

For our last talk of 2026 we are breaking new ground through a joint event with ‘The Book Hotel’ in Addington Street (previously known and still listed on Eventbrite as The Falstaff). With their help we have secured Fern Riddell to talk about her acclaimed book, now available as a paperback, Victoria’s Secret, The Private Passion of a Queen.

Dr. Fern Riddell’s latest book is a product of detailed research and new evidence to challenge everything we thought we knew about one of Britain's most iconic women – and one who, of course, in her youth had a very close relationship with Ramsgate.

In her introduction to the book Fern describes it as the story of a secret: ‘It spans the history of two families – one royal, the other a simple Scottish crofting clan – bound together in silence for more than 160 years. For the first time, their story can be told. It is a grand love affair, a gothic romance – passionate, intense, overwhelming; the cause of family rifts, rage and reconciliation.’

From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria's household, he became known across the land as her loyal companion, her fierce protector, and her right-hand man, their friendship immortalised in print and on-screen. But what if there was more to their relationship than we know? And what has history been hiding from us?

Dr. Fern Riddell is a renowned cultural historian. With a PhD from King's College London, she works as an expert author, broadcaster & consultant, uncovering incredible stories hidden by the past.

This talk will be delivered TWICE - If you book here you are booking for the later evening session:

Doors open 7pm for talk from 7:30 to 8:30

As usual, the cost to attend is £3 for Ramsgate Society members and £5 for non-members

Description supplied by the event organiser.