Royal Holloway, University of London is inviting everyone to its first Festival of History on 4 June 2017, 11am – 4pm. This free event will bring to life the struggle for democracy and freedom in a family-friendly spectacular. Join leading artists, musicians and experts to take a trip back to the most turbulent periods in UK democracy, from King John’s Magna Carta to the Suffragettes. The event will feature an exciting programme of performances, live music, re-enactments and artefacts.

The Festival of History will uncover the UK’s democratic story, in the heart of Royal Holloway’s iconic Founder’s Building. Visitors can witness a suffragette self-defence class, shoulder a musket, learn Magna Carta-style calligraphy and explore thought-provoking topics such as the abolition of slavery through short plays.

The event is part of Citizens, Royal Holloway’s Heritage Lottery Fund-supported project that reveals the relationship between citizens and the state of Britain over the last 800 years.

A legacy that will live for all

Royal Holloway celebrated its own connections to democratic freedom this year. The university has named its new, state-of-the-art library and student services centre after famous suffragette and university alumna, Emily Wilding Davison. Opening in October, the new building, designed to complement our iconic Founder’s Building, will house events, activities and exhibitions that will range from further explorations of the fight for democracy through to cutting-edge art installations.

This month also saw the unveiling of Egham-by-Runnymede’s Arts and Heritage Festival, to launch in summer 2018. Egham Museum, in partnership with Royal Holloway and Egham Town team will mark 100 years of women’s suffrage with its inaugural event. Building on groundwork laid during the 2015 Magna Carta celebrations, Royal Holloway will help promote Egham as a vibrant cultural destination.     

Explore the full programme for the Festival of History.