Great history, brilliantly told.
Awarded by the Wolfson Foundation annually for over fifty years, the Wolfson History Prize is the UK’s most prestigious history prize. It recognises and celebrates books which combine the highest quality of research with readability.
Key dates for 2026
Shortlist announced
17 September 2026
Winner announced
1 December 2026
2025 Winner
Survivors:
The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the Atlantic Slave Trade
Hannah Durkin
‘Survivors:
The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the Atlantic Slave Trade’
Hannah Durkin
Keep up to date with the prize
We are now on Instagram!
Follow our account for history insights, reading recommendations, and highlights from past winners, as we look ahead to the 2026 shortlist announcement on 17 September.
https://www.instagram.com/wolfsonhistoryprize/
#OTD in 1941, Nazi Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union during World War II.
The #WolfsonHistoryPrize–winning book 'The Wages of Destruction' by @adam_tooze examines the economic and strategic pressures within the Nazi war economy that helped drive
#DidYouKnow that although Queen Victoria was named Empress of India in 1876, she never travelled there?
The 2019 #WolfsonHistoryPrize shortlist book 'Empress: Queen Victoria and India' by Miles Taylor examines Queen Victoria's relationship with India and the years of her
#OTD in 1520, Pope Leo X threatened Martin Luther with excommunication in 'Exsurge Domine', a papal bull condemning Luther's teachings.
The 2017 Wolfson shortlist book 'Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet' by Lyndal Roper examines the life and legacy of the founding father of
Thank you to everyone who took part in our poll last month.
If you selected medieval European history, here is a suggested reading list featuring #WolfsonHistoryPrize alumni.
‘Going to Church in Medieval England’ by Nicholas Orme
'Living and Dying in England 1100-1540: The
Thank you to everyone who entered our June giveaway!
Congratulations to the winner - we hope you enjoy reading 'Multicultural Britain: A People’s History' by Kieran Connell!
In the lead‑up to the 2026 #WolfsonHistoryPrize awards season, we’ll be giving away one book each month
Which era of ancient history fascinates you most?
WIN! This month we're giving you the chance to win a copy of 'Multicultural Britain: A People’s History' by Kieran Connell! 📚
To enter:
Follow us on Bluesky
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Entries close 11/06/2026 10AM GMT. UK only.
https://bsky.app/profile/wolfsonhistory.bsky.social
#OTD in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey, beginning the reign of the longest-ruling monarch in British history.
Her grandfather, King George V, ruled for 26 years, and his reign encompassed a time of unprecedented political unrest. Kenneth Rose's 1983
