The audience enjoy a talk at Chalke, ©Chalke History Festival, Katie Hill

The Chalke History Festival site ©Ash Mills for CHF

Artillery firing demonstration, ©Chalke History Festival, Martin Cook

The festival grounds, ©Chalke History Festival, Ash Mills

The Chalke History Festival

22 - 28 June 2026 - Broad Chalke, Salisbury

The Chalke History Festival is one of the UK's most celebrated week-long history events, set on a working farm in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. Each year, it brings the past to life through expert talks, live reenactments, living history encampments spanning every era from the ancient world to the modern day.

Martin Randall Travel is thrilled to be attending this year's festival. We are sponsoring a special event focused on the Classical world: Tom Holland, award-winning historian and co-host of the UK's number one history podcast The Rest is History, in conversation with Paul Cartledge, Emeritus Professor of Greek Culture at Cambridge, and one of the world's leading authorities on ancient Greece and Sparta.

Do consider attending – and find us in person at our tent.

Pericles: Statesman, Demagogue, Eccentric

Tom Holland | Paul Cartledge
17:30 - 18:30 • Wed, 24 June • Moot Hall

What does it take to build a democracy… and hold onto power within it? Join renowned classicist Paul Cartledge in conversation with historian Tom Holland as they explore the life and legacy of one of ancient Greece’s most compelling figures: Pericles. A visionary leader of Athens at its height, Pericles helped shape democracy, empire and culture; overseeing monumental achievements like the Parthenon while mastering the art of persuasion in a fiercely competitive political world. But was he a principled statesman, a cunning operator, or something more complex? Blending politics, personality and power, this lively discussion delves into the man behind the legend, his relationships, reputation and enduring influence, offering a fresh perspective on leadership in the ancient world and beyond.

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