Step back in time for a series of fascinating talks at the wonderful Layer Marney Tower, one of Henry VIII’s favourite Tudor Palaces.

Festival tickets include free entry to the Tower and Gardens.

Date and time: Sunday 26th June, 11.00am – 5.30pm

Venue: Layer Marney Tower, Nr Colchester, CO5 9US

Tickets: £14 per event or all three events for £36 (All tickets include entrance to Layer Marney Tower and Gardens)

11.00am Julia Abel Smith
Forbidden Wife: The Life and Trials of Lady Augusta Murray

Join Julia Abel Smith as she tells the tumultuous tale of the life of Lady Augusta Murray whose marriage to a royal prince was declared illegal. From a beautiful socialite she became a social pariah; her children were declared illegitimate and her family was scorned.

A compelling and poignant story, beautifully told, set in the reigns of Kings George III and IV against the dramatic backdrop of Europe and America in the age of revolution.

Photo of Julia Abel Smith © Jaron James Photography

Find out more and book tickets here

2.00pm Tracy Borman
Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy

We are delighted to welcome leading historian, Joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and author Tracy Borman to the festival. Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy looks back at the history and evolution of the monarchy from 1066 to the present day, feeding the renewed interest not just in the modern royals but in the predecessors who helped shape the institution into what it is today.

Photo of Tracy Borman © Historic Royal Palaces

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4.00pm Andrew Lownie
Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor

Sunday Times bestselling author, Andrew Lownie examines the years following the abdication of Edward VIII. Drawing on extensive research into unused archives it makes the case that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were not the naïve dupes of the Germans but actively intrigued against Britain in both war and peace. Lownie also shines a light on the assumed love story of the Windsors with extraordinary revelations.

Find out more and book tickets here

Ticket deal

All three History Day events for £36 (individual event tickets £14). All tickets include entrance to Layer Marney Tower and Gardens. The discount will be applied at checkout when all three History Day events have ben added to the basket.

Visit each event page to book tickets

Find out more about Layer Marney Tower and Gardens at layermarneytower.co.uk