Looking for information on HNS 2026 conference?: https://hns2026.com
or the HNS 2026 First Chapters competition?: https://hns2026.com/competition
HNS UK 2024
The Historical Novel Society 2024 UK conference took place at Dartington Hall, Devon, 6-8 September 2024 with 40 speakers, 250 onsite delegates and 150 online attendees.
The theme of the 2024 UK conference was historical fiction on film, tv, and stage
The Conference in Pictures
Saturday morning: Expectant audience 
Bernard Cornwell opening the conference 
Bernard Cornwell making his way through an enormous book signing queue 
And still book signing 
The Book was Better 
The Medieval Panel: Sharon Bennett Connolly, Matthew Harffy, Elizabeth Chadwick, David Gilman and Derek Birks 
Ian Mortimer riding the waves of time 
Tough decisions in the conference bookshop 
Kate Quinn in conversation with Katherine Mezzacappa 
A.D. Rhine on co-writing 
Rapt audience 
Michael Jecks on writing and Devon 
Another intent audience 
Introducing the France’s Splendid Centuries trio: Michele Callard, Jules Larimore and Keira Morgan 
HNS founder, Richard Lee 
Sunday morning: Diana Gabaldon talking with Chris Humphreys 
Diana Gabaldon 
Chris Humphreys 
The Roman Panel: Alison Morton, Kate Quinn and Ruth Downie 
Ruth Downie 
Kate Quinn 
Alison Morton 
Conference cat 
Katherine Mezzacappa on Dickens on Screen 
Authors as Adaptors: Heather Webb, Finola Austin, Kris Waldherr 
Jane Johnson 
Christine Mackie and Helen Steadman talking on actor and author collaborating on an audio book 
Christine Mackie 
Helen Steadman 
Alex Weston on writing dialogue 
Elizabeth Fremantle in conversation with Katherine Mezzacappa 
Gillian Bagwell on using acting tools to create characters 
S.G. MacLean 
Lisa Highton who was in conversation with S.G. MacLean, helped judge the competition and was one of eight agents and publishers offering One2Ones 
S.G.MacLean 
The Minstrel’s Gallery 
Michael Cooke and M.J. Porter presented a fabulous array of historical maps 
Richard Lee giving conference organiser, Tracey Warr, a replica medieval vielle 
Matthew Harffy and Steven A. McKay – Rock, Paper, Swords! – were at the conference interviewing speakers as the roving conference podcasters 
Rosemary Griggs valiantly coped with rain to present tours and talks on the history of Dartington and its gardens 
Anna Neima talking on the modernist history of Dartington 
Deborah Swift telling us about convincing costumes and sparkling settings 
Gill Paul and Heather Webb on Screen Queens – being introduced by Katherine Mezzacappa
The Gala Dinner
Excursions
All photos by Isabella Jones unless otherwise stated.
The Dartington Estate and History
Find out about the estate and dartington’s history:
https://www.dartington.org/about/our-history/
HNS 2024 First Chapters Competition
This first year of the competition received over 400 entries in nine categories of historical fiction. Read more on the winners and the competition.
Conference Blog and Speaker Interviews
Read the guest blogposts and speaker interviews.
Conference Roving Podcasters: Rock, Paper, Swords!
Many interviews from the conference with Steven A. McKay and Matthew Harffy.
A Slice of Medieval Podcast from the Conference
The Medieval Panel: Elizabeth Chadwick, David Gilman and Matthew Harffy interviewed by Derek Birks and Sharon Bennett Connolly.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE PREVIOUS UK CONFERENCE
‘I enjoyed meeting fellow readers of historical novels.’
‘I appreciated that indie writers were given as much time and credence as traditionally published authors. I liked that we had ample time between sessions to socialise. I loved the atmosphere of the venue. I liked the diverse range of authors included on the speakers’ list.’
‘I enjoyed meeting friends, new and old, and the incredible vibe my colleagues gave to this event. We were very friendly, inclusive, collegial and congenial. That was my favourite element, followed closely by the high quality talks and really great optional evening events.’
‘The excursions were excellent, as were the opportunities to mingle with fellow delegates.’
‘I always value the ‘in-between’ times when I can meet people either I don’t know already or that I have interacted with online. The agent & publisher session was good. The Friday night dinner was excellent. There was a very upbeat atmosphere about the event and delegates enjoyed each other’s company.’
The Historical Novel Society UK 2024 conference 