“My dad wanted me to be a scientist and I was set to study science A-levels. But after the first term I realised it would be much more enjoyable to study English and history, which didn't seem like work - so I switched.”

English historian, author, curator and television presenter

Lucy Worsley is an English historian, author, curator and television presenter. From 2003 to 2024, she served as joint chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces. She is best known to UK television audiences for presenting historical programmes on BBC Television and Channel 5. Her work combines public history with broadcasting and writing, and she has built a profile around making the past accessible on screen and in print. Her television films and series focus on historical subjects, especially the people, places and institutions that shaped British history.