Talk

Battle: The Moments that Transformed Warfare from Ancient Greece to Ukraine with Iain MacGregor

Book tickets

Location:
National Army Museum

Date & time:
Thursday 1 Oct 2026, 4.00pm

Price:
£15.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)

Join author and historian Iain MacGregor as he explores three thousand years of warfare.

About the event

Across three millennia, wars have been won not simply by numbers or weapons, but by morale, leadership, innovation and timing. In this talk, author and historian Iain MacGregor takes on a gripping journey from Marathon and Alesia to Gettysburg and Stalingrad, exploring the decisive moments when history turned on a single battle.

Drawing on eyewitness testimony, battlefield research and fresh analysis, MacGregor will reveal why certain clashes mattered – and why their lessons continue to shape modern conflict. A compelling exploration of how human decision making under extreme pressure has forged nations, empires and the world we inhabit today.

Festival planning

Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at the National Army Museum. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.

Estimated walking times from this venue: 3 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 4 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 5 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 10 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 12 minutes to Cadogan Hall, 14 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 23 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.

Additional information

This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.

Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.

About the speaker

Iain MacGregor is the author of the acclaimed history of Cold War Berlin ‘Checkpoint Charlie’ and the award-winning ‘The Lighthouse of Stalingrad’. His writing has appeared in ‘The Washington Post’, ‘The Spectator’, ‘BBC History Magazine’, and the ‘Guardian’ as well as featuring on multiple podcasts including ‘The Rest Is History’.

FAQs

Is the National Army Museum accessible?

Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,

Are bikes or scooters allowed?

Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.

Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.