News

WINTER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE, 21 DECEMBER 2025

English Heritage was thrilled to welcome around 8,500 people to Stonehenge this morning to witness the first sunrise after the Winter Solstice.

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Members' Lecture: A merry monastic Christmas

Drawing on evidence from monasteries including Battle, Rievaulx and Whitby, this lecture by Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter (originally aired on 13 December 2022) reveals when the medieval Christmas started, how long it lasted, what it meant for the daily routines of the monks and nuns, and how it was an excuse for feasting, singing carols, hospitality, gift-giving and ruinous expense!

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The Biggest Quiz in History – Round Four

Fancy yourself as a bit of an expert on British history trivia? Or are you hoping to brush up on your knowledge for the family Zoom quiz? Look no further. Every week until Boxing Day, we'll release a round of questions on everything from the Bronze Age to the legacy of the Second World War... the Biggest Quiz in History* Round Four starts here.

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How to make your own Tudor Christmas bough

Learn how to make a Tudor Christmas bough at home with our step-by-step guide.

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Round Four

The fourth round of the Biggest Quiz in History* is here and this time we've given it a festive theme. We've also given you a bit of help and thrown in some multiple choice questions... 'tis the season of goodwill after all!

News

Leave your Christmas decorations up until February, says English Heritage

After an especially tough year and to bring some cheer into the coming dark winter months, English Heritage is encouraging the public to do as their medieval ancestors did and leave up their festive adornments until Candlemas on 2 February.

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How William the Conqueror spent Christmas in 1066

William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day in 1066. Find out more about what happened that day, and the dramatic events that led to his coronation.

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The English Heritage Christmas gift guide

Tick off your Christmas list and buy the perfect present with the English Heritage gift guide.

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Is Mrs Beeton Relevant to Modern Families?

Copies of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management are in kitchens across the county, but can it offer any help to modern families planning for Christmas?

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A Short History of Gingerbread

From festively shaped biscuits to extravagantly decorated gingerbread houses, gingerbread has become a culinary staple of Christmas. But this wasn't always the case. Food historian Sam Bilton discusses its ginger-less medieval origins and significance in Queen Victoria’s household, and even unearths a Dickens family recipe.