Debunking the Myths of 1066
Location:
National Army Museum
Date & time:
Friday 2 Oct 2026, 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Price:
£15.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)
Hear from a panel of experts as they discuss and debunk the many myths that surround the impactful year 1066.
About the event
1066 is a pivotal moment in British history. Seen as a defining moment that shaped the future of the realm it had been taught in schools, debated and mythologised for centuries. Yet looking back we can also see some myths that have emerged and become common conceptions about both the Battle of Hastings and its impact.
In this fascinating discussion experts will debate some of the key myths that surround 1066, giving an insight into where these myths came from and what they tell us about history and how we remember it.
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 speakers
Dr Tom Licence is the author of ‘Harold: Warrior King’, revealing the truth behind the Victorian myths invented about Harold Godwinson, the king who lost England in 1066. He is Professor of Medieval History and Literature at the University of East Anglia.
Dr David Woodman is Professor of History at Robinson College, Cambridge and is a historian of the early medieval period. He is currently working on a new biography of William the Conqueror. David is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He has held visiting research positions at Trinity College, Dublin, and in the United States at Harvard, Columbia and New York Universities.
Dr James Turner is the author of ‘Harald Hardrada: The Making of Europe’, which takes Harald from his role as a runner-up in 1066’s struggle for the Kingdom of England and shows him as one of the great rulers and influencers in Europe of the age. James attended the University of Glasgow before undertaking his doctoral studies at Durham University and is a regular contributor to medievalists.net.
Dr Glyn Prysor is the Interim Director of the National Army Museum. A historian specialising in modern British history, he previously served as Chief Historian at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission before joining the National Army Museum.
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,
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.
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