Historian who’s no stick in the mud

THERE aren’t many academics who could make history seem glamorous while wading through a muddy field in Wiltshire.

But Tudors expert Dr Suzannah Lipscomb achieved the feat this weekend at the Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival. Combining a summery blue patterned dress with a mackintosh and green wellies (pictured), Dr Lipscomb gave a talk about the mysteries of Henry VIII’s will.

The 37-year-old author has won over TV historian Dan Snow. ‘I’m a huge fan of Suzannah’s work,’ he told me. ‘History is dominated by men, and it’s a big problem. Women are bringing the fun and sexiness back into history — it’s great.’