Wolf Hall Weekend by the Tower
A thank you to everyone for a memorable tribute to Dame Hilary Mantel and the world of Wolf Hall
Wolf Hall Weekend by the Tower 2026 was a resounding success — and we want to thank everyone who helped make it such a memorable occasion.
Over two days at All Hallows by the Tower, we gathered in a setting that could hardly have been more atmospheric: an ancient church beside the Tower of London, surrounded by the streets, river, and historic memory of the Tudor world brought so vividly to life in the Wolf Hall Trilogy.
The weekend was, above all, a celebration of the work and legacy of the late Dame Hilary Mantel and was made possible with the kind permission of her estate, and with the enthusiasm of readers, historians, writers, actors, and attendees who came together in a spirit of serious enjoyment and shared appreciation.
The speakers were outstanding. Across the day, our historians, literary scholars, writers, and panelists brought brilliance, generosity and insight to every session. They gave us Thomas Cromwell, the Tudor court of Henry VIII, the Tower, textiles, authorship, memory, performance and Mantel’s writing life — each from a different angle, and each deepening the experience of the weekend.
The Tower Theatre Company gave us a wonderful staged reading of The Mirror and the Light. Their interpretation brought Mantel’s final Cromwell novel into the room with their amazing talent. It was a privilege to hear those words performed in that setting, so close to where the events took place.
We were also beautifully looked after by the Byward Kitchen, whose excellent catering gave everyone the chance to gather, and continue conversations between sessions.
On Sunday, the experience moved out into London itself, with an expertly led Wolf Hall City Walk through Cromwell’s London. The weekend then came to a memorable close with Rosemary Griggs as Kat Ashley, reflecting in Tudor dress on Elizabeth Tudor’s nanny, appointed by Thomas Cromwell.
What made the weekend truly special, however, was the audience. Their warmth and enthusiasm were the final ingredient that turned the weekend into something much more than a programme of talks. It became a gathering of people who continue to be moved, challenged and inspired by Hilary Mantel’s achievement.
A few comments from those who attended capture the spirit of the weekend:
“A joyous, learned mix of historians and book lovers, united in awe of Hilary Mantel’s genius.”
“Simply brilliant from start to finish.”
“Unique, immersive and unforgettable.”
“A great pleasure to be in the company of other passionate enthusiasts of Mantel’s work.”
“The speakers were top class, generous, and full of new insights.”
“The atmosphere was truly special.”
“The staged reading of The Mirror and the Light was a real highlight.”
“The venue, the Sunday walk, and the food and drink were all wonderful.”
“A churchful of satisfied customers.”
“Another triumph — a tour de force.”
To everyone who travelled from across the UK and overseas, and those who returned after our first Wolf Hall Weekend or joined us for the first time, we give a huge thank you!
Your encouragement means a great deal.
Please do stay subscribed and watch this space. We are now exploring the possibility of another Wolf Hall Weekend in June 2028, at a new and very relevant Thomas Cromwell venue.
More will be revealed in due course.