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British History Tours The go-to place for anyone wanting to travel British History. Whether from your sofa or with your feet on the ground, Philippa is your perfect guide.
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My name is Philippa Lacey Brewell and I live in Central England. I started writing and speaking about travelling through Britain’s history in 2012 and haven’t stopped since. My History Travel Guides are used by travellers, those dreaming of travelling the UK and anyone who loves British History. My website is:
britishhistorytours.com

York2025 sees our brand new ‘The Catherine Howard Tour’ in September during which our guests will enjoy time in historic...
21/12/2024

York
2025 sees our brand new ‘The Catherine Howard Tour’ in September during which our guests will enjoy time in historic York. Such a beautiful, and fascinating city!

The 17th century was a tumultuous, dangerous and remarkable century and one which I’ll be chatting to , author of ‘Blazi...
20/12/2024

The 17th century was a tumultuous, dangerous and remarkable century and one which I’ll be chatting to , author of ‘Blazing World. A New History of Revolutionary England’ for my podcast and youtube channel, ‘British History’.
You can submit your own question for Jonathan if you are a member of my Patreon, just one of the many benefits of membership which also includes discounted tickets for ‘The Wars of the Roses Online History Festival’ and early booking access for tours by British History Tours. Go to Patreon.com/BritishHistory to find out more and to sign up. Look for the post asking for questions for Jonathan and put your question underneath.
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Name a film filmed here……This is the Long Gallery at Haddon Hall, Derbyshire. .
20/12/2024

Name a film filmed here……

This is the Long Gallery at Haddon Hall, Derbyshire.
.

On this day in history, the 19th of December 1843, was the publication of Charles Dickens' novel 'A Christmas Carol'. ...
19/12/2024

On this day in history, the 19th of December 1843, was the publication of Charles Dickens' novel 'A Christmas Carol'.

Spoilt for beautiful views in Wi******er Cathedral.
19/12/2024

Spoilt for beautiful views in Wi******er Cathedral.

Arthur Tudor’s Chantry, bathed in winter sun streaming through the stained glass windows of Worcester Cathedral.
17/12/2024

Arthur Tudor’s Chantry, bathed in winter sun streaming through the stained glass windows of Worcester Cathedral.

On this day, 14th December, 1558 Queen Mary I was buried at Westminster Abbey. She is buried in the north aisle of the L...
14/12/2024

On this day, 14th December, 1558 Queen Mary I was buried at Westminster Abbey.

She is buried in the north aisle of the Lady Chapel (aka the Henry VII chapel) in the same vault that her younger sister, Elizabeth I, would later be buried in. The tomb has a detailed effigy of Elizabeth, Mary is not depicted.

A latin inscription on a panel states that Elizabeth is buried there, a second panel adds, in latin, ‘and Mary, sisters in hope of resurrection.’

Glorious in beautiful sunlight. 12th December 2024
14/12/2024

Glorious in beautiful sunlight.
12th December 2024

Wars of the Roses Online History Festival**On sale now*(30 Early Bird discounted tickets up for grabs)Join 6 eminent his...
13/12/2024

Wars of the Roses Online History Festival
**On sale now*
(30 Early Bird discounted tickets up for grabs)

Join 6 eminent historians, 21st - 23rd March 2025, to explore one of the most fascinating periods in English history, the Wars of the Roses. Over 3 days you will hear talks from Gareth Russell, Nathen Amin, Matthew Lewis, Julian Humphrys, Elizabeth Norton and Euan Roger with a live question & answer session with all 6 speakers on the Sunday evening.

Ticket are available at https://warsoftheroses.eventbrite.co.uk

Members of my Patreon get discounted tickets - go to Patreon.com/BritishHistory for more information.

TALK TITLES
Gareth Russell - The Butlers versus the Fitzgeralds: How the Wars of the Roses split Ireland and paved the path for Perkin Warbeck

Nathen Amin - The House of Beaufort

Matt Lewis - Richard, Duke of York: King By Right.

Julian Humphrys - The Fog of War: Battles of the Wars of the Roses

Elizabeth Norton - She Wolves, Upstarts and Ciphers: Queenship in the Wars of the Roses

Euan Roger - Treason in the Wars of the Roses

We’ve had the ‘Hell Staircase’ from a few days ago so here is its counterpart, the ‘Heaven Room.’ Have you seen this in...
12/12/2024

We’ve had the ‘Hell Staircase’ from a few days ago so here is its counterpart, the ‘Heaven Room.’
Have you seen this in real life?

On this day, 10th December, 1936 the only British king to ever willingly abdicate, Edward VIII, does so at Fort Belveder...
10/12/2024

On this day, 10th December, 1936 the only British king to ever willingly abdicate, Edward VIII, does so at Fort Belvedere within Windsor Great Park.
The following day the now Duke of Windsor addressed the nation via a BBC radio broadcast in which he said “…you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.” He confirmed that he had been succeeded by his brother, the Duke of York, and signed off with “God save the King!”

The woman to whom Edward was referring was Mrs Wallace Simpson a, still married, American socialite. She divorced her second husband, Ernest Simpson, in May 1937 and she and Edward married on 3rd June at the Château de Candé. The date would have been his father, George VI’s 72nd birthday, which his mother, Queen Mary saw as a deliberate insult. There were no family members present at the wedding.

Hell Staircaseat Burghley House So called because it depicts images from Hell. The ceiling was painted by Antonio Verrio...
09/12/2024

Hell Staircase
at Burghley House

So called because it depicts images from Hell. The ceiling was painted by Antonio Verrio between 1697-99. The walls were painted around a century later, by Thomas Stothard.

In balance, there is a ‘Heaven Room’ off the ‘Hell Staircase.’

On this day in history, 8th December, 1542, Mary, Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow Palace. Her father was James V o...
08/12/2024

On this day in history, 8th December, 1542, Mary, Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow Palace. Her father was James V of Scotland and her mother, Mary of Guise.

It was clear that James was on his deathbed, having contracted some form of illness, when news reached him at Falkland Palace that his wife had given birth to a girl at Linlithgow Palace on 8th December. Famously, his response to the news was “Adieu, farewell, it came wi' a lass and it will pass with a lass”. He died on the 14th, and the 6-day old girl became Mary, Queen of Scots.

In my latest Substack (https://substack.com/) I delve into what James meant and how he was right, just not in the way he meant. Out tomorrow.

I am offerring a 20% discount on top of the 10% discount already available, for annual memberships to my Patreon!Why wou...
29/11/2024

I am offerring a 20% discount on top of the 10% discount already available, for annual memberships to my Patreon!
Why would you want to join?
- Exclusive content including extended, ad-free historian interviews
- The opportinity to put your own questions to historians
- Membership of Historical Book Club, which meets every 2 months online
- Discount on Online History Festival tickets (next one being announced soon!)
- VIP Booker status for all British History Tours tours
- Exclusive blogs and articles
- Tour talks series, recorded on the British History Tours tours!
Go to Patreon.com/BritishHistory and use the code 'HISTORY' for an EXTRA 20% OFF annual memberships!

On this day in history, 25 November 1120, Henry I of England’s heir William Aethling was killed when his ship sank in fr...
25/11/2024

On this day in history, 25 November 1120, Henry I of England’s heir William Aethling was killed when his ship sank in freezing waters only moments after leaving Barfleur.
William survived the initial sinking, escaping in a small boat, but returned to try to rescue his half sister Matilda. Panicking, thrashing people overran the boat and it capsized. William, his sister and another brother all died.
There is a brilliant book by .earl.spencer called ‘The White Ship’ which looks at the disaster and its implications.
I discussed the disaster in my interview with which you can find at Youtube.com/

Historic CoventryI traveled to historic Coventry last week and found a fascinating mix of old and new, with a rich histo...
25/11/2024

Historic Coventry
I traveled to historic Coventry last week and found a fascinating mix of old and new, with a rich history dating back to Roman times and beyond.
I was visiting St Mary’s Guildhall, a survivor of medieval Coventry to record a podcast (release date tba) but also got to look around the iconic Coventry Cathedral, known for its beautiful architecture and inspiring tale of resilience after World War II.
I wrote about the city’s 3 cathedrals in my latest Substack - check it out at Substack.com/PhilippaB (link in bio)

On this day in history, 24th November 1859, was the Publication of Darwin's "On the Origin of the Species" ...
24/11/2024

On this day in history, 24th November 1859, was the Publication of Darwin's "On the Origin of the Species"

This beautiful, tiny casket once belonged to Isabella of France, wife of Edward II. It is on display in the British Muse...
12/11/2024

This beautiful, tiny casket once belonged to Isabella of France, wife of Edward II.
It is on display in the British Museum.

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Mary Sidney, sister to Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley, and a lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth retreated here after contracting smallpox, which left her disfigured. . Mary had caught smallpox from Elizabeth herself, in 1562, when she had nursed Elizabeth when she was suffering from smallpox. . Elizabeth had been close to death but recovered with some marks on her face. Mary however, would not be so lucky and never returned to court. . . . #tudorhistory #history #elizabethi #britishmonarchy @penshurstplace

Wars of the Roses Online History Festival Spring 2025 I am thrilled to announce that the Wars of the Roses Online History Festival goes on sale tomorrow (13th Dec) with discounted tickets available for the first 30 takers! During the weekend of the 21st - 23rd March 2025 you can join 6 eminent historians to explore one of the most fascinating periods in English history, the Wars of the Roses. Over 3 days you will hear talks from Gareth Russell, Nathen Amin, Matthew Lewis, Julian Humphrys, Elizabeth Norton and Euan Roger with a live question & answer session with all 6 speakers on the Sunday evening. Ticket sales go live at 2pm on 13th December at https://warsoftheroses.eventbrite.co.uk Members of my Patreon get discounted tickets - go to Patreon.com/BritishHistory for more information. . . . #history #historyfestival #onlineevent #historians

In November 1569, Mary, Queen of Scots was moved to the walled city of Coventry from Tutbury Castle when a Catholic uprising sought to free her. She was in the city for six weeks during which time she is thought to have spent some time at St Mary’s Guildhall and most likely in this room. . . . #history #tudorhistory #historyvideo #travel #historytravel #travelhistory

We will Remember them . Flanders Fields by John McCrae read by Philippa Lacey Brewell . . . #remembrancesunday #remembrance #remembranceday #whyistherenopoppyemoji?

This is the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Shrewsbury. It sits almost completely alone, away from the town. Why? because it was built where the English soldiers, killed at the Battle of Shrewsbury, were buried in mass graves. The battle, which saw English fight English, was the result of an uprising against Henry IV headed by Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy. Hotspur was among those killed and Henry IV’s son, the 16-year old Prince Henry was severely injured when an arrow struck him in the face. . . . #history #battlefields #church #henryiv #henryv #travel #historytravel #travelhistory

White Ladies Priory, near Boscobel House, both of which played a pivotal role in the escape of Charles II following the Royalist defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

📚 14 awesome history books are on the shortlist for Book Club 2025. You can help choose the 6 books for our 3rd year of book club by going to Patreon.com/BritishHistory and voting on your favourites. Even if book club isn’t for you here are 14 books I think you’ll want to add to your reading list 🤓 . After Elizabeth by Leanda de Lisle Eagle and the Hart by Helen Castor Henry V by Dan Jones Palaces of Revolution: Life, Death and Art at the Stuart Court by Simon Thurley PAX: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age by Tom Holland Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King (cover TBR) by Gareth Russell Son of Prophecy by Nathen Amin The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England by Marc Morris The Greatest Knight: The Remarkable Life of William Marshal, the Power behind Five English Thrones by Thomas Ashbridge The Private Lives of the Saints: Power, Passion and Politics in Anglo-Saxon England by Janina Ramirez The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown by Anna Keay Thorns. Lust. Glory. by Estelle Paranque Tudor Fashion by Eleri Lynn Young Queens by L R Chang . . . #bookclub #books #bookstagram #history #historygeek #historygeeks.

Book Club Shortlist 2025 Announced
Book Club Shortlist 2025 Announced

Of 55 books suggested, 14 have made it to the shortlist. Voting is open now for members of the British History Patreon to choose their picks. 6 books will make it to the final list for 2025. Book Club meets every other month over zoom with people joining from all over the world!

Elizabeth I’s Coat of Arms at Ludlow Castle. A little weathered but fair enough after nearly 450 years. . . . #history #travel #travelhistory @historytravel #elizabethi #tudorhistory #historyblog #traveljournalist #captivatinghistory

Why is Belvoir Castle pronounced “Beaver Castle”? Let me tell you. . Thank you to my guide @belvoircastle, Ruth 😀 . . . #pronunciation #words #travel #history #englishcastles #belvoir #castle #englishlanguage

Last few spaces remaining for the original Anne Boleyn Tour. The Anne Boleyn Tour by British History Tours has been running by since 2018 following in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn, staying at Hever Castle for four nights, visiting iconic Hampton Court Palace and Tower of London and enabling guests to meet their favourite historians including @_garethrussell @tracy.borman and @kateemccaffreyhistorian. . This is a once in a lifetime experience although, with a repeat booking rate of 70% we can’t guarantee that you won’t want to come back and try another of our 5 🌟 rated tours. . Visit www.britishhistorytours.com to find the full itinerary and details on how to book. . We take your safety seriously, whether that be your personal or financial safety. ✅ Fully compliant with Package Tour Regulations ✅ TTA Member ✅ First Aider on every tour ✅ ICO registered ✅ Fully Insured Tour Operator . . . #tour #historytravel #historytours #travelhistory #escortedtours #anneboleyn #luxurytravel #tudorhistory #tudorguide

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British History for All

Philippa Lacey Brewell lives in Central England and is well respected in her field as a historian and tour guide. She engages audiences with virtual tours and history holidays. She is the owner and founder of British History Tours, a tour company for those who love British History.

Philippa entertains thousands each week with her videos and stories from across the UK and British History. This ability to engage an audience, as well as being an expert in travelling the historical sites of the UK, makes her the perfect tour manager.

She began writing and speaking about travelling through Britain’s history in 2012 and hasn’t stopped since. She has the most animated face when talking about history (if you’ve seen her videos you’ll know!) She also presents a weekly You Tube show called "This week in British History" and has written numerous history blogs as well as writing for BBC History Magazine, CityJet and FlyBe inflight magazines and for Tudor Life Magazine. You can also catch her over at The Tudor Society where members enjoy her 'Roving Reporter' reports from Tudor sites across the UK.

British History Membership