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Historian Lucy Worsley: From Witch Dreams to Palace Curator
1 Nov
Summary
- Lucy Worsley dreamed of being a witch, spy, or nun as a child.
- She spent 21 years as chief curator for Historic Royal Palaces.
- Worsley uses costumes to make history engaging for television.
Born in 1973, historian and television presenter Lucy Worsley has had a multifaceted career. She earned a first-class degree in history from Oxford and a PhD in art history from the University of Sussex.
Worsley served as chief curator for Historic Royal Palaces for 21 years, overseeing iconic sites like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. Her work in these historic settings laid the groundwork for her subsequent media career.
Her television work includes series such as 'Six Wives' and 'Victorian Murder Club'. Worsley is known for her distinctive approach, often employing costumes to enhance historical storytelling on screen, a technique she views as essential for engaging television audiences.
Reflecting on her childhood, Worsley recalls wanting to be a witch, spy, or nun. Her father's scientific career led to frequent moves, making her shy and reliant on books for comfort. Despite academic success, she felt like a 'weird little nerd' at school.
Worsley's latest book, 'Queens and Kings: An Unusually Personal History,' is now available. She continues to explore historical narratives, often using her unique presentation style to connect with viewers.
