VETERAN broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby is among the famous faces spearheading a flagship Hampshire history festival uncovering the fascinating secrets of the past.

The BBC host of Any Questions will give a speech when BBC History Magazine's History Weekend festival comes to Winchester for the first time from Friday, October 7.

The popular history extravaganza has been held in York four years running - but is debuting in the city this year under a new expansion scheme.
his year’s festival is bigger and better than ever before, with a line up featuring even more expert speakers.

In Winchester the 13th Century Great Hall which houses a famous replica of King Arthur’s round table and the nearby Elizabethan II court, Ashburton Hall, will play host to speakers over three days climaxing on Sunday, October 9.

They include military historian Antony Beevor [CORR]who will discuss the significance of Hitler’s last great offensive at Ardennes in 1944 and Labour MP and historian Tristram Hunt on the Ten Cities that Made an Empire.

BBC history presenter Dan Snow explores why The Battle of the Somme occupies a unique place in Britain’s national psyche and AC Grayling examined how the 17th-century intellectual revolution moved the human mind from a medieval to a modern outlook.

Other guests appearing across the weekends held in both cities include acclaimed author and historian Tracy Borman on The Private Lives of the Tudors.

Renowned English historian and broadcaster, Michael Wood will discusses Searching for Shakespeare, while Fern Riddell explores How To Please Your Wife: A Victorian Guide to Love, Sex, and Marriage.

Historian, broadcaster and academic Suzannah Lipscomb unravels what made the Tudors great leaders.

Both festivals will also host a fully-stocked bookshop, catering and speaker book signings.

Tickets and full details of the line-up for both History Weekends are on sale now at www.historyweekend.com or call 0871 620 4021.

Subscribers to BBC History Magazine can take advantage of a reduced rate for all ticket options, and there are discounts for visitors buying tickets