Saturday 12th September, 10.00am-4.30pm
History comes alive at the Wentworth Woodhouse History Festival – a day packed with brilliant talks, fascinating stories, live entertainment, and hands-on experience in one of Britain’s grandest historic houses.
Hear from acclaimed historians, authors and podcast hosts including Kate Lister (Betwixt the Sheets, The Curious History of Sex, Flick), Maddy Pelling (After Dark, Writing on the Wall, Hoax), Anthony Delaney (After Dark, Queer Georgians), and Catherine Bailey (Black Diamonds). Alongside the talks, explore living history displays with Tastes Through Time and military re-enactors. You can also try your hand at heritage craft workshops, and enjoy live music from Satnam Galsian, Maddie Morris, and 1940s vocalist, Miss Sarah Jane
Whether you’re passionate about social history, hidden stories, historic houses, or simply love a great day out, the Wentworth Woodhouse History Festival offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the past.
Early Bird Prices (Valid until Sunday 28th June)
Adult (17+): £62.50
Child (3-16): £12.50
Standard Prices
Adult (17+): £65.00
Child (3-16): £13.50
All tickets include access to the House & Gardens (usually £16.50).
What’s On
Talks
Dr Kate Lister
Dr Kate Lister is a historian and author specialising in the history of sex, scandal, and intimate lives throughout history. She is the presenter of the popular ‘Betwixt the Sheets’ podcast and author of books including, ‘The Curious History of Sex’ and ‘Flick’, bringing hidden and often surprising stories from the past to life.
Dr Madeleine Pelling
Dr Maddy Pelling is a historian, writer, and broadcaster specialising in the cultural and social history of the medieval and early modern world. She is co-host of the popular ‘After Dark’ podcast and author of books including ‘Writing on the Wall’ and ‘Hoax’, exploring everything from forgotten histories to deception, belief, and everyday life in the past.
Dr Anthony Delaney
Dr Anthony Delaney is a historian, broadcaster, actor and presenter known for bringing compelling historical narratives to life across screen and audio. Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, he holds a PhD in 18th-century social and cultural history from the University of Exeter, where he is an Honorary Fellow. Anthony co-hosts the award-winning podcast After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal for History Hit and has presented documentaries including The Edinburgh Murders: Burke and Hare, The Trial of Oscar Wilde and Death and the Brontës. His debut book, Queer Georgians: A Hidden History, was published in 2025 by Doubleday UK and Grove Atlantic US.
Catherine Bailey
Catherine Bailey is an award-winning historian and bestselling author known for uncovering the hidden stories behind Britain’s great estates and aristocratic families. Her acclaimed works, including ‘Black Diamonds’, combine meticulous research with gripping storytelling to bring the dramas of the past vividly to life.
Performances
Satnam Galsain
Satnam Galsian is a British Asian singer-songwriter and progressive folk artist from Leeds, whose music blends the rich tradition of Punjabi folk with contemporary, feminist storytelling.
Maddie Morris
Rooted in the oral tradition, Maddie’s music seeks to preserve, challenge, and expand folk heritage by writing historically excluded voices into the canon. Passionately political yet gently understated, this is music that deftly treads the path between art and activism.
Miss Sarah-Jane
Miss Sarah-Jane is a UK-based 1940s tribute artist and vocalist specialising in wartime, vintage, and swing music, often performing in a replica WAAF uniform.
Workshops
Tastes Through Time
Tastes Through Time will bring history alive through immersive displays and captivating talks that explore the rich tapestry of food and cooking. In their displays, you’ll meet Countess Maude Fitzwilliam to explore the responsibilities of managing a large country house, and Katherine Moffat, nanny to the children of the household.
Natural Dyes and Tote Bags | Charlie Hill
Charlie is a creative outdoor facilitator and artist whose work explores ways to connect to nature and each other through community, creativity, and bushcraft.
Dance the Past
Step back in time and discover the social dances of the Regency period in this introductory one-hour workshop. Drawing on surviving dance manuals, you’ll learn a selection of simple dances enjoyed in the ballrooms of Jane Austen’s day while exploring the role of dance in the social life of the era. No previous dance experience is required and no partner is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and your dancing feet!
Additional Information
- Each workshop and talk has a capacity so will be limited to first come first served on the day
- Redeem your tickets at front desk, where you’ll receive a timetable
- Workshops and talks take place throughout the day
- Living History displays are in the Garden
Accessibility
Activities in the State Rooms are accessible using the temporary lift. The Garden is accessible but some areas include displays on grass and on uneven pathways. Contact info@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk for specific access enquiries.
Help Support Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust
Remember, any money made from our events goes straight into the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and contributes towards the restoration of this magnificent House & Gardens.