Talk

Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence

Book tickets

Location:
National Army Museum (Foyle 1)

Date & time:
Wednesday 25 Sep 2024, 4.00pm

Price:
£12.00

Claire Hubbard-Hall reveals the stories of women who worked behind the scenes of British Intelligence, inspiring Ian Fleming’s character Miss Moneypenny.

About the event

Since the inception of the Secret Service Bureau in 1909, women have worked at the very heart of British secret intelligence – yet their contributions have been all but written out of history. Now, drawing on private and previously-classified documents, leading historian Claire Hubbard-Hall brings their gripping true stories to life.

From encoding orders and decrypting enemy messages to penning propaganda and infiltrating organisations, the women of British intelligence played a pivotal role in both the First and Second World Wars. Prepare to meet the true custodians of Britain’s military secrets, from Kathleen Pettigrew, personal assistant to the Chief of MI6 Stewart Menzies, who late in life declared, ‘I was Miss Moneypenny, but with more power’, to Jane Archer, the very first female MI5 officer, who raised suspicions about the Soviet spy Kim Philby long before he was officially unmasked, and Winifred Spink, the first female officer ever sent to Russia in 1916.

About the speaker

Claire Hubbard-Hall is a writer and historian who specialises in the history of secret intelligence. She has held lecturing posts in several British universities and is an honorary Associate Professor of Intelligence History. She has contributed to television documentaries and written for popular history magazines.

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 at any of our venues. 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.

Are there luggage or cloakroom facilities?

There will be no storage facilities for luggage or coats at any of our venues during the festival.

How can I book tickets?

Online booking is available 24/7 on this website.

You can book by phone on 0131 226 0014 from Monday – Friday 10 – 5pm from 10 July but will need to make payment at the time. We cannot reserve tickets.

You can book in person at the National Army Museum from Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29th if there is still availability at that time, which we cannot guarantee.

Is there a booking fee and what are the terms & conditions?

Please see the full terms & conditions on the booking platform when you book tickets.

The booking fee is £2.00 and this applies online, on the telephone and in person.

All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, with the exception of cancelled events which we will refund within 28 days. The organising venue reserves the right to change event speakers and content may be subject to change. Refunds will not be issued if the event is still taking place.

Are there concessionary tickets?

There are no concessions for Chelsea History Festival tickets, which have been priced as reasonably as possible. People requiring a carer, support worker or personal assistant will get a complimentary carer ticket. To book this please contact our box office on 0131 226 0014. Proof of concession is required for these tickets so please be prepared to show relevant ID.