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Walking tours, talks by famous authors, and a preview of a new venue are on the programme for this year's Chelsea History Festival.
Now in its sixth year, the festival is hosted by local institutions the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden, offering visitors an insight into local history, as well as national, international and military history. This year's event is extra special, as it marks the launch of the Chelsea Heritage Quarter, a new collaboration between these three institutions and local land management organisation Cadogan.
More than 70 events make up the 2024 programme, offering something for history buffs, book lovers, families — and those of us who just love a good nosey around fancy buildings. Here's our picks of things to book right now:
- A preview of the new Soane Stable Yard, an area of the Royal Hospital Chelsea which will soon open as an exhibition space, shop and cafe — the first time a part of the Hospital has been permanently open to the public. The exhibition during Chelsea History Festival explores the history of the Chelsea Pensioners (FREE, 25-29 September)
- Horrible Histories author Terry Deary at the National Army Museum, discussing his new book, A History Of Britain In Ten Enemies. It's a comedy history book for adults, filling in all the bits of history you didn't learn in school (26 September)
- Special tours of the State Apartments at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, led by a Chelsea Pensioner and focusing on the art and architecture of the glitzy pad (26 September and 29 September)
- Alternatively, kids can learn about the Royal Hospital Chelsea on special family tours, designed for 5-10 year olds and accompanying adults (FREE, 28-29 September)
- A whole roster of guided walking tours around the wider Chelsea area, including one focusing on the history of the Queer community (28 September)
- Bestselling author Kate Mosse introduces her new historical novel, The Map of Bones, and talks about heroines of the second world war (both 29 September)
This is just a small selection of this year's events, which also includes family workshops — check the website for full details.
Chelsea History Festival 2024 takes place 26-29 September. Tickets are available now.
