Wolf Hall Weekend and Performance of The Mirror and The Light by The Tower of London
(June 6th & 7th 2026)
An invitation to one of the most prestigious literary events of 2026.
A magnificent theme, in an historic location
We are proud to announce that our next Wolf Hall Weekend, together with an exclusive performance of the play adaptation of The Mirror and The Light, will be held by the historic Tower of London on the weekend of June 6th and 7th, 2026. Together we will celebrate the life and work of the late Dame Hilary Mantel. Last year our inaugural weekend was in Devon, close to where Hilary lived and wrote her Wolf Hall Trilogy. It was an outstanding success and by popular demand we’ve decided to bring the experience to London – to make it accessible to a wider audience. (You can read the attendees’ response to last year’s event here.)
The theme for 2026 is ‘MAGNIFICENCE’
In Hilary’s Wolf Hall Trilogy, magnificence is not just about splendour—it’s a lens through which she explores the fragility of human power, the seductions of image, and the inevitable reckoning with death and meaning. Cromwell’s journey is a tragic study in magnificence: from the boy beaten in Putney to the man wrapped in silks and crowned with titles, who ultimately cannot escape the axe. We will be focussing mostly on Hilary’s account of Thomas Cromwell’s life during the period from the execution of Anne Boleyn in May 1536 to his final demise in July 1540.
ABOVE – The memorial to some of those executed on Tower Hill, including Thomas Crowmell, only a few yards away from where our event will take place and a stone’s throw from the execution site of Anne Boleyn inside The Tower grounds.
An exclusive performance
The theme of magnificence goes to the heart of Hilary and Ben’s adaptation of her last novel, and we will be fortunate to experience the performance of the play only yards from The Tower and Tower Hill – where the historic events took place – 486 years ago in 1540…
‘ACT ONE: Mirror. Scene One. Present: June 1540: The Tower, The Queen’s Rooms.
ACT TWO: Light. Scene Thirty-Two: Present. July 1540. Tower Hill.’ The Mirror and The Light, adapted by Hilary Mantel and Ben Miles.
The Tower Theatre Company, whose production of Wolf Hall / Bring Up The Bodies play adaptation in 2016 was reviewed as an outstanding success, will be performing. The adaptation of The Mirror and The Light is not currently available for non-professional production, but thanks to the generosity of the Estate of Hilary Mantel, this is a one-off opportunity as an attendee of the weekend to enjoy a ‘live’ production of the play.
A celebrity line-up of speakers
What makes a Wolf Hall Weekend so special is the amazing contribution from the many friends, colleagues and admirers of Hilary, who span the worlds of history, literature and entertainment. In addition to being experts in their field, the one thing they all share is a deep respect and admiration for her work and life. Hilary is remembered and revered with much love and this is evident in their examination of her multi-award winning historic trilogy and their recollections of her life – one filled with immense generosity of spirit.
Throughout the Saturday, the programme will be led by three renown speakers:: Tracy Borman, Diarmaid MacCulloch, and Ben Miles – each of whom knew Hilary well – and for Ben Miles, Hilary was a close, dear friend and collaborator.
They will be supported by a host of respected history experts, literary commentators, and professional colleagues on a series of interactive panels.
The Venue
All Hallows by-the-Tower stands beside The Tower of London and Tower Hill. Dating back to the introduction of Christianity into Britain during the Saxon period, it can claim to be the oldest church in the City, built upon an earlier sacred site from Roman times and possibly even earlier. During the reign of Henry VIII, the church became the resting place of several famous victims of his capricious execution orders – most notably that of Thomas More, whose body was laid to rest in the church in 1535, before being buried in The Tower.
Attached to the church is The Byward Kitchen (named after the nearby Byward Gate) – where our gourmet lunch and pre-performance canapes and drinks will be served.
Additional attractions
On Saturday 6th, there will be an extensive exhibition in All Hallows by textile artist and scholar, Dr Lucie Bea Dutton, whose exquisite work, Stitching Cromwell will be on display. Lucie has been handstitching work inspired by Hilary’s Cromwell Trilogy for over a decade, drawing particular inspiration from the stage productions and historic sites related to Cromwell. This extensive, intricate and inspiring exhibition is rarely on display, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet Lucie and examine her unique work.
There will also be a display of a selection of original photographs from The Wolf Hall Picture Book by George Miles, which he produced in collaboration with Hilary and his brother Ben. He will be available to answer your questions about their unique choice of subjects and how the studies convey the essence of Hilary’s Trilogy as it can be found in London today.
Sunday excursions
On Sunday 7th June 2026, there will be the option to take take a tour inside The Tower, or to join a guided walk around the local City of London with George Miles, when he will be visiting some of the sites he visited with Hilary and Ben for their Wolf Hall Picture Book.
Alternatively, there will be the option of joining a guided historic river cruise from The Tower to Westmister and back on The Thames. (Details of these options will be given nearer the time of the event).
We will then re-convene for afternoon tea and a closing session at the Byward Kitchen.
This is a limited-capacity event – so make sure you book early to secure a place. We look forward to seeing you there.
View of The Tower of London from All Hallows By-The-Tower
Here are the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase: https://wolfhallweekend.com/terms-and-conditions/
Your Stripe Payment receipt is your ticket – please either print this or store on your mobile device to show at reception.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Any questions please contact us at info@wolfhallweekend.com