Julian Humphrys

Julian Humphrys is a historian, author, broadcaster and one of Travel Editions’ most popular tour lecturers. He read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A Trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written and lectured widely on castles, battles and Britain’s military history.

After graduating, Julian joined the National Army Museum in London, where he spent 12 years researching and curating exhibitions and acting as a media spokesperson on British Army history. His work also took him to Bosnia during the civil war, where he helped record the activities of the British Army and collect material for a major museum exhibition.

Julian later developed and led English Heritage’s Tours Through Time programme, guiding visitors around historic properties and battlefields. He is the author of books including Clash of Arms: Twelve English Battles and Enemies at the Gate: English Castles Under Siege, and has contributed regularly to publications including BBC History Magazine and History Revealed.

With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions. His wide-ranging programme explores many of the people, places and conflicts that have shaped Britain and Europe, from Richard III, the Norman Conquest and medieval Burgundy to the English Civil War, Waterloo and the castles, cathedrals and country houses of regions including Northumberland, Lincolnshire and Shropshire.

Julian’s great strength is his ability to make history both educational and highly entertaining. Whether standing on a battlefield, exploring a castle or revealing the stories behind an historic city, he combines detailed knowledge with memorable anecdotes and a lively sense of humour. His expert commentary helps guests understand not only what happened, but why each place mattered and how its history continues to shape the landscape today.