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#ChelseaHistoryFest

It feels as if we are living through extraordinary times: societies shift, conflict evolves, environments die, technologies advance. It happens quickly, stacking in our newsfeed before sinking beneath the next story. We have launched the Chelsea History Festival as a place to pause and reflect – a place to celebrate our past. We are delighted to welcome some of the country’s best loved historians, veterans and performers. They will tell us stories that inspire, entertain and give us hope. We believe there is no better stage than historic Chelsea to hear these stories.

It has been exciting to launch a new festival with the support of our speakers and performers, along with residents, institutions and businesses from the area. We want to grow the Chelsea History Festival into an event where all can come together to explore our history — to think again about the world we live in now.

Thank you for joining us – we look forward to seeing you next year between 23 – 27 September 2020.

WELCOME TO THE FIRST CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL

HARRY PARKER FESTIVAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR

We have launched the Chelsea History Festival as a place to pause and reflect – a place to celebrate our past.

CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 1

WHY CHELSEAFor centuries, Chelsea has been an inspiring haven for artists, authors, musicians and designers - from Rossetti, Turner and Oscar Wilde to The Rolling Stones and Vivienne Westwood. Chelsea’s bohemian heritage today meets the international smart set, royalty, couture luxury and the best independent creative spirit in one of London’s best-loved neighbourhoods.

The Festival’s three founding partners offer atmospheric settings to hear some of the finest historians working today. The majestic rooms of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the world-class collection of the National Army Museum, and the botanical oasis of Chelsea Physic Garden are places steeped in their own history.

Before 1681, there was no specific state provision for old and injured soldiers, until King Charles II issued a Royal Warrant, authorising the building of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to care for those ‘broken by age or war’.

Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to design and erect the building, which was finally completed in 1692. It has been home to the Chelsea Pensioners ever since.

The State Apartments includes the Council Chamber, which was designed as the dining room for visiting royalty, and is one of the Royal Hospital’s most important rooms. It features John Grove’s heavily moulded ceiling, displaying James II’s cypher, wainscoting by William Cleere and wood-carving by William Emmett.The State Apartments boast a painting of Charles I and his family by the school of Van Dyck, and portraits of Charles II, Queen Catherine and Sir Christopher Wren.

Designed as a dining room for the Chelsea Pensioners, the Great Hall fulfils its original function today. Over the centuries, it has been used for recreation, court martials

and Army entrance examinations – and in 1852 the Duke of Wellington’s body lay in state here. The large mural, painted in about 1690, represents Charles II on horseback. It was begun by Antonio Verrio but is mainly the work of Henry Cooke. Other portraits include George II and Queen Caroline by Enoch Seeman (1739) and George III (1767) and Queen Charlotte (1762) by Allan Ramsay. William II’s coat of arms, carved by William Emmett, is displayed above the entrance.

The Wren Chapel was constructed between 1681 and 1687. As there were no site constraints, it remains a rare example of Wren’s pure ecclesiastical work. The painting of the Resurrection in the half dome of the apse is by Sebastiano Ricci and his nephew Marco, and dates from 1714. Sir Charles Hopson, the leading joiner of his day, made the wainscoting and pews and the carving is by William Emmett, Master Carver before Grinling Gibbons and William Morgan. The organ is modern, but the case is the work of Renatus Harris. The Wren Chapel offers a public service every Sunday at 11am.

ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA

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Founded in 1960 by Royal Charter, the National Army Museum collects, preserves and exhibits objects connected with the British Crown’s land forces.The Museum was re-opened by the Queen in March 2017 after a three year closure and £24 million transformation. It tells the stories of the men and women who have served from the 17th century to the present day through 2,500 exhibits across five permanent galleries, plus its exhibition and events programme.

Battle gallery demonstrates how the Army has fulfilled its most challenging task, fighting battles. Highlights include Captain Siborne’s famous recreation of the Battle of Waterloo, the skeleton of Napoleon’s horse Marengo and Lieutenant-Colonel ‘H’ Jones’ Falklands War Victoria Cross.

Soldier gallery looks at life in the Army, from joining as a recruit to coming home. Exhibits include the tunic worn by Captain George Johnson on the first day of the Somme, and Major ‘Bronco’ Lane’s frostbitten fingertips from the 1976 Everest expedition.

Army gallery explores the Army’s origins, its role in our country’s political development and its impact on global history. A life-sized painting of Oliver Cromwell, Lawrence of Arabia’s First World War robes, and the Queen’s Women’s Royal Army Corps uniform are displayed here.

Society gallery examines how the Army has impacted on our customs, technologies and values. Iconic objects include the silver tankard marking the Duke of Cumberland’s victory at Culloden and Florence Nightingale’s Crimean War lamp.

The actions and the impact of the Army throughout the world are explored in the Insight gallery. Fascinating displays include a ‘jibbah’ tunic belonging to Dervish leader Emir Wad El Nejumi from the Sudan and a section of the Berlin Wall.

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM CHELSEA

PHYSIC GARDEN

As London’s oldest botanic garden, Chelsea Physic Garden has been at the heart of ground-breaking research, furthering our understanding of plants and herbal medicines and contributing to life-saving treatments.

The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries leased the site in 1673 and its first curator, John Watts, was appointed in 1680. Watts was responsible for growing and maintaining medicinal herbs and oversaw the construction of the first glasshouse in England to be heated by an external stove. Sir Hans Sloane, later a successful society physician, trained as an apprentice at the Garden in the early 1680s.

Sloane appointed Philip Miller, who would be head gardener for almost 50 years. Miller grew native cotton from both the East and West Indies, sending seeds to Georgia which were key to the establishment of the cotton industry in America. He was succeeded by William Forsyth, who created the Grade II-listed Pond Rockery – the oldest rock garden in Europe.

Other significant figures associated with the Garden include Carl Linnaeus, Joseph Banks, Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, Robert Fortune, Thomas Moore, William Hales and Wilfred Owen, who spent one of his last days on leave from the First World War at the Garden.

As personal physician to the Governor of Jamaica, Sloane acquired quinine, which was used to treat malaria and brought back a recipe for cocoa mixed with milk, after observing local women using it to treat stomach ailments. The recipe was eventually bought by Cadbury’s. In 1712, Sloane purchased the Manor of Chelsea and continued to lease the Garden to the Apothecaries for £5 a year – this sum is still paid to his descendants. Sloane’s lease also stated that the Garden should remain as a botanic or ‘physic’ garden, as it does to this day.

Bombing during the Second World War destroyed the tool shed, set the lecture room on fire, shattered eight glasshouses and destroyed the last remaining barge house.

The Garden slowly recovered and continued with its work in research and education. It has welcomed countless visitors since it opened to the public in 1983.

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WEDNESDAY NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

THURSDAY NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

Poland Discussion: ‘First to Fight’Jack Fairweather, Roger Moorhouse and Dr Paul Latawski discuss the pivotal role Poland played in the Second World War.

6pm – 8pm, £10 | National Army Museum

Remembering Arnhem: 75 Years Since Operation Market Garden

Join historians Antony Beevor and Rick Stroud, Army veteran Victor Gregg and re-enactors for an enthralling evening of talks and performance to commemorate Arnhem, the ‘battle for the bridges’.

Veteran Victor Gregg will bring stories of his service at Arnhem alive, as he chats with historian Rick Stroud. The second talk of the evening, by Antony Beevor, will throw light on this iconic battle and the terrible reality of the fighting based on his book, Arnhem: Battle for the Bridges, 1944.

5pm – 9.30pm, £20 | National Army Museum

THURSDAY ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA

DR ANNA KEAYRODERICK WILLIAMS

ANTONY BEEVOR VICTOR GREGG

RICK STROUD

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

A History of NATO and Its Relevance TodayGeneral 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 MonmouthJoin 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

The Lark Ascending ConcertJoin world-class baritone Roderick Williams, violinist Siân Philipps, the London Mozart Players and the Royal Hospital’s Director of Music, William Vann, for a concert of English vocal and orchestral music. Drink included from 6.30pm.

7.30pm – 8.30pm, £30 | Wren Chapel

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FRIDAY NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

ALI ANSARI ANGELA FINDLAY

TIM BOUVERIE JACK FAIRWEATHER

FRIDAY ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA

GEOFFREY MATTHEWS DR ANDREW CORMACK

Club! Club! Club! Bohemian London and the Chelsea Arts ClubJoin Geoffrey Matthews, the secretary and CEO of the Chelsea Arts Club, as he explores the colourful history of this unique Bohemian meeting place for London’s artists, writers and performers.

2.30pm – 3.30pm, £8 | State Apartments

A Duty of Care: Why Do We Look After Our Soldiers?Andrew Cormack traces the country’s duty of care to its soldiers back to the founding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in this absorbing talk.

4pm – 5pm, £8 | State Apartments

The Crusades with Dan JonesThe award-winning author of The Templars, Dan Jones, talks about his new major history of the notorious Crusades, from their roots to the ripples they still make today.

4.30pm – 5.30pm, £20 | Great Hall

Dancing by the Light of the MoonJoin Gyles Brandreth as he shares his passion for poetry and explains how it can uplift, enrich and improve our health and wellbeing. Book included.

6pm – 7pm, £20 | State Apartments

Max Hastings on the Dambusters StoryPrize-winning author Max Hastings reveals the full extent of the human story behind the Dambusters legend. Drink included from 6.30pm.

7pm – 8pm, £20 | Great Hall

Government Poster Campaigns in the Second World WarDavid Bownes explores prominent government poster campaigns like ‘Make Do and Mend’ and ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’.

11.30am – 12.30pm, FREE | Foyle Centre

These Islands: A Letter to BritainProfessor Ali Ansari discusses Britain’s evolution from a unified ideal, to a place where nationalist groups are gaining headway. He celebrates our nation’s strengths and explores potential threats.

2.30pm – 3.30pm, £8 | Foyle Centre

How Germany RemembersAngela Findlay discusses Germany’s unique post-Second World War process of remembrance, expressed through ‘counter memorials’ by artists in key locations.

4pm – 5pm, £8 | Foyle Centre

Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to WarDrawing on his bestselling new book, historian Tim Bouverie throws new light on how the mistakes of a narrow, inflexible prime minister contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War.

5.30pm – 6.30pm, £12 | Foyle Centre

The Volunteer: The True Story of a Resistance Hero Who Infiltrated AuschwitzJoin Jack Fairweather as he tells the true story of an unsung hero of the Polish resistance.

7pm – 8pm, £12 | Foyle Centre

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SATURDAY NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

SAS Italian JobWar reporter and bestselling author Damien Lewis reveals the story of a Second World War mission to destroy a supposedly impregnable Nazi fortress.

10.30am – 11.30am, £8 | Foyle Centre

History Walk: Tite StreetWalk back in time down Tite Street – where Wilde and Whistler once lived – and discover the colourful past of this former artists’ quarter with historian Devon Cox.

11am - 12pm and 2pm – 3pm, £12 | Festival Box Office

History Walk: Chelsea, Past and PresentFrom old soldiers to Sloane Rangers, first aiders to fashionistas, discover the richly diverse history and heritage of Chelsea on this eye-opening guided walk with Anne-Marie Craven.

12pm – 1pm, 3pm – 4pm, £12 | Festival Box Office

The Most Formidable Spy in HistoryJoin Owen Matthews as he tells the thrilling true story of Richard Sorge – described by John le Carré as ‘the spy to end spies’ – whose actions turned the tide of the Second World War.

12pm – 1pm, £8 | Foyle Centre

A Woman of No ImportanceNew York Times bestselling author Sonia Purnell talks about the American spy, described by Gestapo as ‘the most dangerous of all Allied spies’, whose support for the French Resistance helped win the Second World War.

1.30pm – 2.30pm, £12 | Foyle Centre

Making Generation R: Resilience Through InspirationJoin injured veterans Simon Harmer and Darren Swift as they share their moving and inspiring stories of courage and resilience.

3pm – 4pm, FREE | Foyle Centre

Our Boys: The Story of a Falklands ParatrooperPrize-winning historian Helen Parr brings to life the experiences of the paratroopers who fought in the Falklands War, and examines the conflict’s aftermath.

6pm – 7pm, £8 | Foyle Centre

Free Festival FunSee overleaf for details on all our free and family-friendly events. There’s plenty to enjoy on Saturday across the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden.

SONIA PURNELL SIMON HARMER

HELEN PARR

DEVON COX DAMIEN LEWIS

ANNE-MARIE CRAVENOWEN MATTHEWS

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SATURDAY FREE FESTIVAL FUN VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Giant Games for Little SoldiersStep inside a life-size board game at the National Army Museum and battle it out to see who wins. Scramble through a cargo net, throw the giant dice and answer trivia questions. Children can learn more about the Second World War as they play.

10am – 5pm, various times, FREE | National Army Museum

Marching DrillsDrop by the Atrium at the National Army Museum and practise your marching skills with real soldiers. The Grenadier Guards from the Household Division will put children through their paces with these marching drills.

10am – 5pm, various times, FREE | National Army Museum

Hidden History HuntThe Hidden History Hunt gives families a brand-new way to explore the iconic Royal Hospital. Sticker maps make this journey into the past even more fun.

10am – 4pm, FREE | Royal Hospital Chelsea

British Army Jazz OrchestraEnjoy an atmospheric afternoon of live music with the British Army Jazz Orchestra.

2.30pm – 3.30pm, FREE | Royal Hospital Chelsea 4.30pm – 5.30pm, FREE | National Army Museum

Medicine Through TimeTravel back in time and learn about the medicines that Mary Seacole would have used during the Crimean War. Plant your own seeds to take home.

11.30am – 1.30pm, 2.30pm – 4.30pm, FREE | Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden Open DayChelsea Physic Garden is opening its doors free of charge exclusively for the Chelsea History Festival. Visit the oldest botanic garden in London, with around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal, edible and useful plants.

11am – 6pm, FREE

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The Elizabethan Wardrobe: A Living HistoryMeet a lady of Queen Elizabeth I’s court and discover the complexities of her wardrobe.

4.30pm – 5.30pm, £8 (Kids go free) | State Apartments

A Life of Intrigue: Frederick ForsythFrederick Forsyth has seen it all and lived to tell the tale. Join him for a candid talk about his life and the colourful experiences that informed his 13 bestselling thrillers.

5.30pm – 6.30pm, £20 | Great Hall

Surgery on the Front Line: David NottSunday Times bestselling author David Nott shares his unique story of the horror and heroism of surgery on the front line in war zones and after natural disasters.

7.30pm - 8.30pm, £20 | Great Hall

Chelsea Pensioners Parade with Band & Chapel ServiceJoin the Chelsea Pensioners before their chapel service in the age-long tradition of the ‘Governor’s Parade’.

10am – 12pm, FREE, booking advised | Wren Chapel

SATURDAYROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA

SUNDAYROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA

The Agincourt Archer: A Living HistoryMeet a medieval archer, transported to modern-day Chelsea from 15th-century Agincourt.

12pm – 1pm, £8 (Kids go free) | State Apartments

The Chelsea Pensioners in ConversationJoin Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Lowe MBE, Captain at the Royal Hospital, in conversation with Chelsea Pensioners as they discuss their service history and life in the Royal Hospital.

1.30pm - 2.30pm, £12 | State Apartments

Elizabeth I: A Study in InsecurityQueen Elizabeth I is seen as the personification of royal power. 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 by profound insecurity.

3pm – 4pm, £12 | State Apartments

Andrew Roberts on ChurchillJoin bestselling author and academic Andrew Roberts as he shares insights from his acclaimed new biography of Churchill, examining how his personal beliefs affected his wartime premiership.

4pm – 5pm, £20 | Great Hall

ANDREW ROBERTS HELEN CASTOR

DAVID NOTT

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SATURDAYCHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN

From Solferino to Mosul: The End of the First Age of Humanitarianism in WarThe 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 WarJoin 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 ForestJoin 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 ThamesLara 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

The Garden is opening its doors free of charge exclusively for the Festival. In addition, visitors can book for the following talks.

LALAGE SNOW PAUL WOOD

LARA MAIKLEM

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Sloane Square

If you fancy a snack or something more substantial each venue offers festival refreshments so you can relax and refuel.

The Royal Hospital coffee shop serves hot beverages, refreshments and hot and cold lunches.

Open 10am – 4.30pm throughout the festival.

The Wren House: Quartermaster’s Curry at the Royal Hospital will offer a special military-style curry, and a limited selection of hot and cold beverages and sandwiches.

Open 10am – 4pm on the Saturday of the Festival. Curry available 12.30pm – 2pm.

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.

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*.

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

Opens:

FESTIVAL FOODVENUE INFORMATION

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Free WiFi is available at the National Army Museum.

For all access enquiries and to book tickets while at the Festival, please ask at the Box Office at the National Army Museum.

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STAY UP TO DATE KEEP IN TOUCH

Supported by:

The Army in LondonThe bands, ceremonial mounted soldiers and drill instructors have been provided by kind permission of the General Officer Commanding, Major General Ben Bathurst CBE. HQ London District, based in the 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 in keeping the Capital safe.

Masterpiece Sponsor of The Lark Ascending Concert. 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.

Polish Cultural Institute Sponsor of Poland Discussion: First to Fight and The Volunteer. The Polish Cultural Institute is dedicated to nurturing and promoting cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Poland, both through British exposure to Poland ‘s cultural achievements, and through exposure of Polish artists and scholars to British trends, institutions, and professional counterparts.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

The launch of this exciting festival in The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea highlights our borough as a place of cultural confidence, with leading providers developing and delivering high-quality activities for residents and visitors.

Country & Town House - Media Partner Country & Town House is a beautiful British monthly luxury lifestyle magazine, packed with stunning shoots and insightful features, for those who enjoy the very best of both country and city living. Each issue celebrates the finest houses and interiors, fashion and style, food and travel, the arts, culture and events, with extra editions dedicated solely to Schools, Watch/Jewellery, Best Hotels, Interiors, plus the annual 400+ page Great British Brands book.

CadoganCadogan 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, their long-term stewardship aims to enrich and celebrate the neighbourhood’s unique character, while safeguarding its future vitality.

Chalke Valley History FestivalChalke Valley History Festival, 22 - 28 June 2020 in Broad Chalke, near Salisbury, is the world’s largest festival devoted entirely to history. With over 150 speakers and spread over 60 acres, the festival features talks and debates, a vast living history through-the-ages encampment, interactive living history events, archaeology walks, vintage vehicles, a book store, shopping emporium, a bar, fine dining and street food. So much to see and do, there is something for everyone. All proceeds go to the Chalke Valley History Trust. 

Chelsea Arts Club The Chelsea Arts Club was founded in 1891 by artists practising in the Borough, and has occupied the same house in Old Church Street since 1901. The Club is owned by its Members – two thirds of whom must, under the rules, be practising artists. It provides its Members with a home from home – informal and welcoming – with food and 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.

Royal United Services Institute Sponsor of Our Boys: The Story of a Falklands Paratrooper. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is an independent think tank engaged in cutting edge defence and security research. A unique institution, founded in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington, RUSI embodies nearly two centuries of forward thinking, free discussion and careful reflection on defence and security matters.

The Chelsea History Festival has been brought together by the three founding partners: the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden. We would like to thank the following organisations and partners for their support.

In association with:

THANK YOU CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL PAGE 21

MEDIA PARTNER

FOUNDING PARTNERS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SUPPORTED BY

Don’t miss next year’s Chelsea History Festival 23 – 27 September 2020

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