What do you give the person who loves English history? (Or yourself, if you're that person, of course....). Well, being a bit of a history nut myself I have a few ideas for you. So here are my top ten Christmas gifts for history lovers ... all things I'd love to get my hands on (or already have.)
Our top ten this year includes brilliant experiences, great reads, and lovely gifts with an exciting newcomer straight into the chart at number two. I hope you enjoy counting down our chart and that these ideas stimulate the old grey cells and help you find the perfect present for your friends and family. Happy gift hunting…
We've been members of English Heritage for years and it's one of the best gifts you can give anyone who loves history.
English Heritage looks after hundreds of historical sites all across England and as a member you have free access to all of them. As many times as you want to visit.
And while you're having a great days out, you're helping English Heritage to restore and repair and keep these wonderful places. One of my favourite gifts...
Books are made for Christmas, and if you’re looking for a gift for an England history aficionado, then the History of England could be the one.
It is one of a fourteen book series on English history. This particular book gives a broad overview of English History from the Roman period up to the end of WW2.
However, if you need a more
specialised book on a particular time in history, check out the other books in the series.
Stonehenge
is England’s most iconic historical site, and no English history buff would be
disappointed to receive a book about this mysterious standing stone circle. I’ve
suggested either a factual book written by the hugely popular historian Francis
Prior or a novel by the author Bernard Cornwell. Either will be a fantastic read.
Fancy an evening playing Lord and Lady Muck of the manor? Then this highly rated medieval banquet night may be just the pressie you’re looking for.
Enjoy a four-course feast while being entertained by medieval actors and story tellers. To enhance your experience, you can even hire traditional costumes at the venue.
Sounds like a great night!
Into the Norman period now, and while the ladies who worked on the Bayeux Tapestry didn't expect it to grace a family home, this smaller tapestry will look awesome wherever you put it.
This stunning wall tapestry captures the Norman invaders with their horses packed into their boats crossing the English Channel from Saint Valery to Pevensey. Lovely…
If you love books and history, then you will not be able to resist these gorgeous English Heritage sword bookends.
They would make a stunning display on your bookshelf, giving the impression that your books have been stabbed by a sword.
Amazing!
This jousting experience in Warwick is made for the knight-loving English history fans.
The recipient gets to dress up in medieval armour and learn the tournament skills of a gallant knight. The day concludes with the “Grand Gauntlet Challenge” and a mini joust with the resident Black Knight.
I think this is one for braver men than me!
We love this suit of armour, and it held the number one spot in our top ten Christmas gifts for history lovers for several years.
Made from 18-gauge steel and weighing around 30 kilograms, it’s made in the style used in the late fifteenth century.
The nice thing about this suit of armour is that although it is made for display, it can be worn by shorter, slimmer people.
New to our top ten list of Christmas gifts for history lovers is this escorted 8-day break in London.
After all the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, London has been in the spotlight around the world. Now is an ideal time to come and see some of these iconic places for real.
Apart from exploring the best London sites, this tour also includes Stonehenge, Windsor, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon. What a treat for an England history lover!
...now this is a really special experience for history lovers. An overnight stay in one of the towers of Warwick Castle. The original motte and bailey castle built by William the Conqueror in 1068 was rebuilt in stone during the twelfth century. Your stay includes a two day pass to explore the castle and discovery almost 1000 years of history. This would make a great gift for someone who loves English castles. What do you think?
Thank you for following me through my list of top ten Christmas gifts for anyone who loves history. I hope you found a little inspiration for your own Christmas shopping this year. And if you have any suggestions for items that other history lovers might enjoy, then please let me know.
For more Christmas, recipes, ideas and traditions, please check out our Christmas in England page.