Jessie Childs - The Siege of Loyalty House (Book signing available)

Talks are between 45 to 60 minutes, followed by a Q&A and book signing where available. Please note finish times are approximate.

The story of one of the most extraordinary episodes of the Civil War. A thrilling tale of war and peace, terror and faith, savagery and civilisation drawing on unpublished manuscripts and the voices of dozens of men, women and children caught in the crossfire. To the parliamentarians, Basing House in Hampshire was the devil’s seat. To its royalist defenders, it was ‘Loyalty House’. Over two years, its residents were battered, bombarded, starved and gassed. From within they faced smallpox, spies and mutiny. Their resistance became legendary, but in October 1645, Oliver Cromwell rolled in the heavy guns and the stage was set for a last stand.​

Jessie Childs is an award-winning historian. Her latest book ‘The Siege of Loyalty House’ was book of the year 2022 in over ten publications, including the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Economist and Spectator.  Her television contributions include the BAFTA-nominated Elizabeth I's Secret Agents (PBS) and two BBC series on Charles I​

When booking your tickets you can pre-order Tea/Coffee with cake or scone and jam with clotted cream for £6.00 

Accommodation can be booked at a discounted rate at Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel which is just over 1 mile from Harvington Hall. To book a room or a meal please call 01562 777555 or email reception.stonemanor@hogarths.co.uk and reference the Harvington Hall History Festival.

Important Information

This event is being held in a marquee in the Hall's garden.

Doors will open 20 minutes before the talk is due to start.

Tickets are non refundable or transferable unless the event is cancelled 

Free parking/disabled parking