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- 20th Aug 2025
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Alnwick Castle hosts the ultimate Autumn author talks for book lovers
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If you love nothing more than getting lost in a great book, imagine hearing those stories come to life in the dramatic setting of a medieval castle. Alnwick Castle has got you covered.
This autumn, Alnwick Castle is bringing together history, discovery and atmosphere in a way no page ever could.
As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, there’s something so cosy about immersing yourself in a gripping tale – especially when it’s told by the experts, in the heart of one of Northumberland’s most iconic landmarks.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of art and culture, or simply someone who can’t resist a royal scandal or unsolved mystery, Alnwick Castle’s upcoming Author Series is one for the diary.
Expect bestselling authors, captivating stories and rarely seen treasures from the castle’s own archive, all shared in an unforgettable setting.
HLN Top Tip: Make your evening at Alnwick Castle even more special. Enjoy a pre-event meal or drink at the nearby Motte & Bailey Restaurant at the Bailiffgate Hotel, just a short stroll away.
ANDREW GRAHAM-DIXON – WHO KILLED CARAVAGGIO?
Friday 29th August from 7:30pm (Gates open at 7pm)
Ready for a little murder mystery with your art history?
Join acclaimed art critic, broadcaster and bestselling author Andrew Graham-Dixon for an evening of intrigue as he delves into the dramatic – and often violent – life of the legendary painter Caravaggio. Based on a decade of research from his book Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane, this talk promises to be as gripping as it is insightful.
Caravaggio’s world was one of excess, genius and danger – a painter who lived fast, fought hard and left behind an artistic legacy that changed everything. Expect scandal, suspense and a deep dive into how one man created beauty from the chaos around him. Fun fact, many of Caravaggio’s artistic influences can actually be found in Alnwick Castle’s own collection.
TRACY BORMAN – THE STOLEN CROWN: TREACHERY, DECEIT AND THE DEATH OF THE TUDOR DYNASTY
Tuesday 23rd September from 7:30pm (Gates open at 7pm)
The Tudors may be long gone, but the secrets surrounding their downfall are still very much alive.
Back by popular demand, historian and TV presenter Tracy Borman returns to Alnwick Castle to talk about her brand-new book The Stolen Crown. Far from the tidy transition we were taught in school, Tracy reveals the murky truth behind Elizabeth I’s final days and the shadowy politics that led to the throne passing from Tudor to Stuart.
With a behind-the-scenes look at rarely-seen items from the Alnwick archives and her trademark wit and insight, this is a talk that promises to uncover history’s best-kept secrets. Expect drama, betrayal, and plenty of surprises.
KATE WILLIAMS – THE ROYAL PALACES: SECRETS AND SCANDALS
Wednesday 8th October from 7:30pm (Gates open at 7pm)
Royal history is never short on gossip – and no one tells it better than Kate Williams.
The bestselling historian and TV regular takes us behind the velvet ropes of Britain’s royal palaces in a talk based on her latest book The Royal Palaces: Secrets and Scandals. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the lesser-known beauty of Falkland and Beaumaris Castles, Kate uncovers centuries of hidden stories, intrigue and controversy that played out behind closed doors.
With royal scandals from medieval times to the modern day, this is the perfect event for those of us who love a good peek behind the curtain – and maybe a little royal gossip along the way.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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