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PROGRAMME
chelseahistoryfestival.com
#ChelseaHistoryFest
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 1
WELCOME
TO THE FIRST CHELSEA
HISTORY FESTIVAL
We have launched the Chelsea History Festival
as a place to pause and reflect – a place to
celebrate our past.
HARRY PARKER FESTIVAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR
It feels as if we are living It has been exciting to launch
through extraordinary times: a new festival with the support
societies shift, conflict evolves, of our speakers and performers,
environments die, technologies along with residents, institutions
advance. It happens quickly, and businesses from the area.
stacking in our newsfeed before
sinking beneath the next story. We want to grow the Chelsea
History Festival into an event
We have launched the where all can come together
Chelsea History Festival as a to explore our history — to think
place to pause and reflect – again about the world we live
a place to celebrate our past. in now.
We are delighted to welcome
some of the country’s best Thank you for joining us –
loved historians, veterans and we look forward to seeing
performers. They will tell us you next year between
stories that inspire, entertain 23 – 27 September 2020.
and give us hope. We believe
there is no better stage than
historic Chelsea to hear
these stories.
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 3
ROYAL
HOSPITAL
CHELSEA
Before 1681, there was no specific state and Army entrance examinations – and
WHY
provision for old and injured soldiers, in 1852 the Duke of Wellington’s body lay in
until King Charles II issued a Royal Warrant, state here. The large mural, painted in about
authorising the building of the Royal 1690, represents Charles II on horseback.
CHELSEA
Hospital Chelsea to care for those ‘broken It was begun by Antonio Verrio but is mainly
by age or war’. the work of Henry Cooke. Other portraits
include George II and Queen Caroline by
Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned Enoch Seeman (1739) and George III
to design and erect the building, which was (1767) and Queen Charlotte (1762) by
For centuries, Chelsea has been an inspiring finally completed in 1692. It has been home Allan Ramsay. William II’s coat of arms,
haven for artists, authors, musicians and to the Chelsea Pensioners ever since. carved by William Emmett, is displayed
designers - from Rossetti, Turner and above the entrance.
Oscar Wilde to The Rolling Stones and The State Apartments includes the
Vivienne Westwood. Chelsea’s bohemian Council Chamber, which was designed as The Wren Chapel was constructed between
heritage today meets the international smart the dining room for visiting royalty, and is 1681 and 1687. As there were no site
set, royalty, couture luxury and the best one of the Royal Hospital’s most important constraints, it remains a rare example of
independent creative spirit in one of London’s rooms. It features John Grove’s heavily Wren’s pure ecclesiastical work. The painting
best-loved neighbourhoods. moulded ceiling, displaying James II’s of the Resurrection in the half dome of the
cypher, wainscoting by William Cleere and apse is by Sebastiano Ricci and his nephew
The Festival’s three founding partners offer wood-carving by William Emmett.The State Marco, and dates from 1714. Sir Charles
atmospheric settings to hear some of the Apartments boast a painting of Charles I Hopson, the leading joiner of his day, made
finest historians working today. The majestic and his family by the school of Van Dyck, the wainscoting and pews and the carving
rooms of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the and portraits of Charles II, Queen Catherine is by William Emmett, Master Carver
world-class collection of the National Army and Sir Christopher Wren. before Grinling Gibbons and William Morgan.
Museum, and the botanical oasis of Chelsea The organ is modern, but the case is the
Physic Garden are places steeped Designed as a dining room for the Chelsea work of Renatus Harris. The Wren Chapel
in their own history. Pensioners, the Great Hall fulfils its original offers a public service every Sunday
function today. Over the centuries, it has been at 11am.
used for recreation, court martials
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 5
As London’s oldest botanic garden, Sloane appointed Philip Miller, who would
Chelsea Physic Garden has been at be head gardener for almost 50 years. Miller
the heart of ground-breaking research, grew native cotton from both the East and
furthering our understanding of plants West Indies, sending seeds to Georgia which
and herbal medicines and contributing were key to the establishment of the cotton
to life-saving treatments. industry in America. He was succeeded by
William Forsyth, who created the Grade II-
The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries listed Pond Rockery – the oldest rock garden
leased the site in 1673 and its first curator, in Europe.
John Watts, was appointed in 1680.
Watts was responsible for growing and Other significant figures associated with the
maintaining medicinal herbs and oversaw Garden include Carl Linnaeus, Joseph Banks,
the construction of the first glasshouse in Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, Robert Fortune,
England to be heated by an external stove. Thomas Moore, William Hales and Wilfred
Sir Hans Sloane, later a successful society Owen, who spent one of his last days on
NATIONAL
Soldier gallery looks at life in the Army, physician, trained as an apprentice at the leave from the First World War at the Garden.
from joining as a recruit to coming Garden in the early 1680s.
ARMY
home. Exhibits include the tunic worn by
Captain George Johnson on the first day
CHELSEA
of the Somme, and Major ‘Bronco’ Lane’s
MUSEUM
frostbitten fingertips from the 1976
PHYSIC
Everest expedition.
Army gallery explores the Army’s origins,
Founded in 1960 by Royal Charter, the
National Army Museum collects, preserves
its role in our country’s political development
and its impact on global history. A life-sized
painting of Oliver Cromwell, Lawrence
GARDEN
and exhibits objects connected with the of Arabia’s First World War robes, and
British Crown’s land forces.The Museum the Queen’s Women’s Royal Army Corps
was re-opened by the Queen in March 2017 uniform are displayed here.
after a three year closure and £24 million
transformation. It tells the stories of the Society gallery examines how the As personal physician to the Governor of Bombing during the Second World War
men and women who have served from Army has impacted on our customs, Jamaica, Sloane acquired quinine, which destroyed the tool shed, set the lecture room
the 17th century to the present day through technologies and values. Iconic objects was used to treat malaria and brought on fire, shattered eight glasshouses and
2,500 exhibits across five permanent include the silver tankard marking the Duke back a recipe for cocoa mixed with milk, destroyed the last remaining barge house.
galleries, plus its exhibition and events of Cumberland’s victory at Culloden and after observing local women using it to
programme. Florence Nightingale’s Crimean War lamp. treat stomach ailments. The recipe was The Garden slowly recovered and continued
eventually bought by Cadbury’s. In 1712, with its work in research and education.
Battle gallery demonstrates how the The actions and the impact of the Army Sloane purchased the Manor of Chelsea It has welcomed countless visitors since
Army has fulfilled its most challenging task, throughout the world are explored in the and continued to lease the Garden to the it opened to the public in 1983.
fighting battles. Highlights include Captain Insight gallery. Fascinating displays include Apothecaries for £5 a year – this sum is
Siborne’s famous recreation of the Battle of a ‘jibbah’ tunic belonging to Dervish leader still paid to his descendants. Sloane’s lease
Waterloo, the skeleton of Napoleon’s horse Emir Wad El Nejumi from the Sudan and also stated that the Garden should remain
Marengo and Lieutenant-Colonel ‘H’ Jones’ a section of the Berlin Wall. as a botanic or ‘physic’ garden, as it does
Falklands War Victoria Cross. to this day.
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 7
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY
ROYAL HOSPITAL
CHELSEA DR ANNA KEAY
RODERICK WILLIAMS
A History of NATO and Its Relevance Today
General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, the current Governor of the
Royal Hospital Chelsea and formerly NATO’s Deputy Supreme
Allied Commander Europe, shares insights on the current strategic
security challenges facing the world’s largest military alliance.
3.30pm – 4.30pm, FREE | State Apartments
The Last Royal Rebel: James Duke of Monmouth
Join Dr Anna Keay as she shares new insights into the Duke
of Monmouth, uncovered by the research which inspired her
acclaimed biography of this complex, charismatic character.
5pm – 6pm, £12 | State Apartments
WEDNESDAY The Lark Ascending Concert
NATIONAL ARMY Join world-class baritone Roderick Williams, violinist Siân Philipps,
MUSEUM ANTONY BEEVOR
the London Mozart Players and the Royal Hospital’s Director of
Music, William Vann, for a concert of English vocal and
VICTOR GREGG
RICK STROUD orchestral music. Drink included from 6.30pm.
7.30pm – 8.30pm, £30 | Wren Chapel
Remembering Arnhem: 75 Years Since
Operation Market Garden
THURSDAY
Join historians Antony Beevor and Rick Stroud, Army veteran
Victor Gregg and re-enactors for an enthralling evening of talks NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM
and performance to commemorate Arnhem, the ‘battle for
the bridges’.
Poland Discussion: ‘First to Fight’
Veteran Victor Gregg will bring stories of his service at Arnhem
Jack Fairweather, Roger Moorhouse and Dr Paul Latawski discuss
alive, as he chats with historian Rick Stroud. The second talk
the pivotal role Poland played in the Second World War.
of the evening, by Antony Beevor, will throw light on this iconic
battle and the terrible reality of the fighting based on his book, 6pm – 8pm, £10 | National Army Museum
Arnhem: Battle for the Bridges, 1944.
5pm – 9.30pm, £20 | National Army Museum
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 9
FRIDAY FRIDAY
ROYAL HOSPITAL NATIONAL ARMY ALI ANSARI
CHELSEA MUSEUM
GEOFFREY MATTHEWS ANGELA FINDLAY
DR ANDREW CORMACK TIM BOUVERIE
JACK FAIRWEATHER
Club! Club! Club! Bohemian London Government Poster Campaigns in the
and the Chelsea Arts Club Second World War
Join Geoffrey Matthews, the secretary and CEO of the Chelsea Arts David Bownes explores prominent government poster campaigns
Club, as he explores the colourful history of this unique Bohemian like ‘Make Do and Mend’ and ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’.
meeting place for London’s artists, writers and performers. 11.30am – 12.30pm, FREE | Foyle Centre
2.30pm – 3.30pm, £8 | State Apartments
A Duty of Care: Why Do We Look After Our Soldiers? These Islands: A Letter to Britain
Andrew Cormack traces the country’s duty of care to its soldiers back Professor Ali Ansari discusses Britain’s evolution from a unified ideal,
to the founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in this absorbing talk. to a place where nationalist groups are gaining headway.
He celebrates our nation’s strengths and explores potential threats.
4pm – 5pm, £8 | State Apartments
2.30pm – 3.30pm, £8 | Foyle Centre
The Crusades with Dan Jones How Germany Remembers
The award-winning author of The Templars, Dan Jones, talks about Angela Findlay discusses Germany’s unique post-Second World
his new major history of the notorious Crusades, from their roots to War process of remembrance, expressed through ‘counter
the ripples they still make today. memorials’ by artists in key locations.
4.30pm – 5.30pm, £20 | Great Hall 4pm – 5pm, £8 | Foyle Centre
Dancing by the Light of the Moon Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the
Join Gyles Brandreth as he shares his passion for poetry and Road to War
explains how it can uplift, enrich and improve our health and wellbeing. Drawing on his bestselling new book, historian Tim Bouverie throws
Book included. new light on how the mistakes of a narrow, inflexible prime minister
6pm – 7pm, £20 | State Apartments contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War.
5.30pm – 6.30pm, £12 | Foyle Centre
Max Hastings on the Dambusters Story The Volunteer: The True Story of a Resistance
Prize-winning author Max Hastings reveals the full extent of the Hero Who Infiltrated Auschwitz
human story behind the Dambusters legend. Drink included Join Jack Fairweather as he tells the true story of an
from 6.30pm. unsung hero of the Polish resistance.
7pm – 8pm, £20 | Great Hall 7pm – 8pm, £12 | Foyle Centre
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 11
SATURDAY
NATIONAL ARMY
MUSEUM DEVON COX SONIA PURNELL
DAMIEN LEWIS SIMON HARMER
ANNE-MARIE CRAVEN HELEN PARR
OWEN MATTHEWS
SAS Italian Job A Woman of No Importance
War reporter and bestselling author Damien Lewis reveals the New York Times bestselling author Sonia Purnell talks about the
story of a Second World War mission to destroy a supposedly American spy, described by Gestapo as ‘the most dangerous of all
impregnable Nazi fortress. Allied spies’, whose support for the French Resistance helped win the
Second World War.
10.30am – 11.30am, £8 | Foyle Centre
1.30pm – 2.30pm, £12 | Foyle Centre
History Walk: Tite Street Making Generation R:
Walk back in time down Tite Street – where Wilde and Whistler once Resilience Through Inspiration
lived – and discover the colourful past of this former artists’ quarter Join injured veterans Simon Harmer and Darren Swift as they
with historian Devon Cox. share their moving and inspiring stories of courage and resilience.
11am - 12pm and 2pm – 3pm, £12 | Festival Box Office 3pm – 4pm, FREE | Foyle Centre
History Walk: Chelsea, Past and Present Our Boys: The Story of a Falklands Paratrooper
From old soldiers to Sloane Rangers, first aiders to fashionistas, Prize-winning historian Helen Parr brings to life the experiences of
discover the richly diverse history and heritage of Chelsea on the paratroopers who fought in the Falklands War, and examines
this eye-opening guided walk with Anne-Marie Craven. the conflict’s aftermath.
12pm – 1pm, 3pm – 4pm, £12 | Festival Box Office 6pm – 7pm, £8 | Foyle Centre
The Most Formidable Spy in History Free Festival Fun
Join Owen Matthews as he tells the thrilling true story of See overleaf for details on all our free and family-friendly events.
Richard Sorge – described by John le Carré as ‘the spy to There’s plenty to enjoy on Saturday across the National Army
end spies’ – whose actions turned the tide of the Second Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden.
World War.
12pm – 1pm, £8 | Foyle Centre
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 13
SATURDAY FREE FESTIVAL FUN
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Giant Games for Little Soldiers British Army Jazz Orchestra
Step inside a life-size board game at the National Army Museum and Enjoy an atmospheric afternoon of live music with the British
battle it out to see who wins. Scramble through a cargo net, throw the Army Jazz Orchestra.
giant dice and answer trivia questions. Children can learn more about
the Second World War as they play. 2.30pm – 3.30pm, FREE | Royal Hospital Chelsea
4.30pm – 5.30pm, FREE | National Army Museum
10am – 5pm, various times, FREE | National Army Museum
Marching Drills Medicine Through Time
Drop by the Atrium at the National Army Museum and practise your Travel back in time and learn about the medicines that Mary Seacole
marching skills with real soldiers. The Grenadier Guards from the would have used during the Crimean War. Plant your own seeds
Household Division will put children through their paces with these to take home.
marching drills.
11.30am – 1.30pm, 2.30pm – 4.30pm, FREE | Chelsea Physic Garden
10am – 5pm, various times, FREE | National Army Museum
Hidden History Hunt Chelsea Physic Garden Open Day
The Hidden History Hunt gives families a brand-new way to explore Chelsea Physic Garden is opening its doors free of charge
the iconic Royal Hospital. Sticker maps make this journey into the past exclusively for the Chelsea History Festival. Visit the oldest botanic
even more fun. garden in London, with around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal,
edible and useful plants.
10am – 4pm, FREE | Royal Hospital Chelsea
11am – 6pm, FREE
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 15
SATURDAY The Elizabethan Wardrobe:
A Living History
ROYAL HOSPITAL Meet a lady of Queen Elizabeth I’s court and discover
CHELSEA ANDREW ROBERTS
the complexities of her wardrobe.
HELEN CASTOR 4.30pm – 5.30pm, £8 (Kids go free) | State Apartments
DAVID NOTT
A Life of Intrigue: Frederick Forsyth
The Agincourt Archer: A Living History Frederick Forsyth has seen it all and lived to tell the tale.
Meet a medieval archer, transported to modern-day Join him for a candid talk about his life and the colourful
Chelsea from 15th-century Agincourt. experiences that informed his 13 bestselling thrillers.
12pm – 1pm, £8 (Kids go free) | State Apartments 5.30pm – 6.30pm, £20 | Great Hall
Surgery on the Front Line:
The Chelsea Pensioners in Conversation David Nott
Join Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Lowe MBE, Captain at the Royal Sunday Times bestselling author David Nott shares his unique
Hospital, in conversation with Chelsea Pensioners as they discuss story of the horror and heroism of surgery on the front line in
their service history and life in the Royal Hospital. war zones and after natural disasters.
1.30pm - 2.30pm, £12 | State Apartments 7.30pm - 8.30pm, £20 | Great Hall
Elizabeth I: A Study in Insecurity SUNDAY
Queen Elizabeth I is seen as the personification of royal power. ROYAL HOSPITAL
But does this popular image reflect the truth, or was it just armour?
Helen Castor argues that the iconic queen’s reign was in fact shaped CHELSEA
by profound insecurity.
3pm – 4pm, £12 | State Apartments
Andrew Roberts on Churchill Chelsea Pensioners Parade with
Join bestselling author and academic Andrew Roberts as he shares Band & Chapel Service
insights from his acclaimed new biography of Churchill, examining Join the Chelsea Pensioners before their chapel service in the
how his personal beliefs affected his wartime premiership. age-long tradition of the ‘Governor’s Parade’.
4pm – 5pm, £20 | Great Hall 10am – 12pm, FREE, booking advised | Wren Chapel
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 17
SATURDAY
CHELSEA PHYSIC
GARDEN LALAGE SNOW
PAUL WOOD
LARA MAIKLEM
The Garden is opening its doors free of charge exclusively for the Festival.
In addition, visitors can book for the following talks.
From Solferino to Mosul:
The End of the First Age of Humanitarianism in War
The Battle of Mosul signalled the end of humanitarian aid as we
know it. What’s next, and how do we care for civilian casualties on
the changing battlefield?
12-1pm, £10 | Lecture Room
Gardens in the Wilderness of War
Join award-winning photo-journalist Lalage Snow for a journey through
the most unlikely of gardens: the oases of peace people create in the
midst of war.
1.30pm – 2.30pm, £10 | Lecture Room
London is a Forest
Join Paul Wood and find out about the plants, animals and people
who inhabit our ‘urban forest’, and the fact and fiction that colour our
experience of it.
3pm – 4pm, £10 | Lecture Room
Mudlarking: Lost and Found on the River Thames
Lara Maiklem talks about her 15 fascinating years of Thames
mudlarking and the host of historical objects she’s discovered –
from Roman hair pins to Victorian toys.
4.30pm – 5.30pm, £10 | Lecture Room
Sloane SquareCHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 19
VENUE INFORMATION FESTIVAL FOOD
If you fancy a snack or something more substantial each venue offers festival refreshments
so you can relax and refuel.
National Army Museum’s Cookhouse Café serves
a wide range of tasty British fare, freshly-made
sandwiches, salads, soups and cakes, or order hot
food from the kitchen. Kids eat free with a main
meal purchased*.
Opens:
Wed 9 Oct: 10am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 8pm
Thu 10 Oct: 10am – 4pm, 6pm –7.30pm
Fri 11 Oct: 10am – 7.30pm
Sat 12 Oct: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Sun 13 Oct: 10am – 5pm
*Terms and conditions apply
The Physic Garden Café brings the outdoors in, using
the best of British produce to represent the abundance
of wonderful ingredients available in the Garden. Head
there for a delicious range of light bites, hearty salads,
lunches and cakes.
Opens 11am – 5.30pm throughout the festival.
The Royal Hospital coffee shop serves hot beverages,
STAY UP TO DATE refreshments and hot and cold lunches.
KEEP IN TOUCH Open 10am – 4.30pm throughout the festival.
The Wren House: Quartermaster’s Curry at the Royal
Share your Festival memories Free WiFi is available at the Hospital will offer a special military-style curry, and
#ChelseaHistoryFest National Army Museum. a limited selection of hot and cold beverages and
sandwiches.
Sign up to get festival updates to your inbox For all access enquiries and to book tickets
and be the first to hear us announce next while at the Festival, please ask at the Open 10am – 4pm on the Saturday of the Festival.
year’s line up. chelseahistoryfestival.com Box Office at the National Army Museum. Curry available 12.30pm – 2pm.CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 21
THANK YOU
Supported by:
The Chelsea History Festival has been brought together by the three founding partners: The Army in London
the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden. The bands, ceremonial mounted soldiers and drill instructors have
We would like to thank the following organisations and partners for their support. been provided by kind permission of the General Officer Commanding,
Major General Ben Bathurst CBE. HQ London District, based in the
In association with: historic Horse Guards building on Whitehall, is the Army HQ for London
and is responsible for all the ceremonial in London, and the provision of
support to government departments and the Metropolitan Police Service
Cadogan in keeping the Capital safe.
Cadogan is a family business, property manager, investor and
developer – with a 300-year history rooted firmly in the local area.
As proud custodians of over 90 acres of Chelsea and Knightsbridge, Masterpiece
their long-term stewardship aims to enrich and celebrate the Sponsor of The Lark Ascending Concert.
neighbourhood’s unique character, while safeguarding its future vitality. Masterpiece has established itself as one of the world’s leading cross-
collecting fairs, offering the finest works of art, design, furniture and
jewellery, from antiquity to the present day.
Chalke Valley History Festival
Chalke Valley History Festival, 22 - 28 June 2020 in Broad Chalke,
near Salisbury, is the world’s largest festival devoted entirely to history. Polish Cultural Institute
With over 150 speakers and spread over 60 acres, the festival features Sponsor of Poland Discussion: First to Fight and The Volunteer.
talks and debates, a vast living history through-the-ages encampment, The Polish Cultural Institute is dedicated to nurturing and promoting
interactive living history events, archaeology walks, vintage vehicles, a cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Poland, both through
book store, shopping emporium, a bar, fine dining and street food. So British exposure to Poland ‘s cultural achievements, and through
much to see and do, there is something for everyone. All proceeds go to exposure of Polish artists and scholars to British trends, institutions, and
the Chalke Valley History Trust. professional counterparts.
Chelsea Arts Club The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
The Chelsea Arts Club was founded in 1891 by artists practising in
the Borough, and has occupied the same house in Old Church Street
The launch of this exciting festival in The Royal Borough of Kensington
since 1901. The Club is owned by its Members – two thirds of whom
and Chelsea highlights our borough as a place of cultural confidence,
must, under the rules, be practising artists. It provides its Members
with leading providers developing and delivering high-quality activities
with a home from home – informal and welcoming – with food and
for residents and visitors.
drink served all year round. There is a lively events programme, with
over 100 talks and live musical performances, as well as some 40
exhibitions of Members’ work, each year. Country & Town House - Media Partner
Country & Town House is a beautiful British monthly luxury lifestyle
magazine, packed with stunning shoots and insightful features, for
Royal United Services Institute
those who enjoy the very best of both country and city living. Each issue
Sponsor of Our Boys: The Story of a Falklands Paratrooper. celebrates the finest houses and interiors, fashion and style, food and
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is an independent travel, the arts, culture and events, with extra editions dedicated solely
think tank engaged in cutting edge defence and security research. to Schools, Watch/Jewellery, Best Hotels, Interiors, plus the annual 400+
A unique institution, founded in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington,
page Great British Brands book.
RUSI embodies nearly two centuries of forward thinking, free
discussion and careful reflection on defence and security matters.FOUNDING PARTNERS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
SUPPORTED BY
MEDIA PARTNER
Don’t miss next year’s Chelsea History Festival
23 – 27 September 2020
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