Historical Speaker & History Expert – Ian Pycroft for Corporate

Immersive historical lectures with period clothing and storytelling that brings history to life

Step into the past with Ian Pycroft, founder of Black Knight Historical. Delivering engaging talks in authentic period clothing, Ian combines expert knowledge, real artefacts, and powerful storytelling to bring history to life. Ideal for corporate, public, and educational audiences, his sessions create memorable learning experiences across a wide range of historical topics. Ian offers public speaking and lectures for audiences looking to explore and understand history in an engaging and accessible way. He provides high-quality presentations in formats including event commentary, guided tours, and after-dinner speeches. Ian also delivers narration for events such as banquets, tournaments, falconry displays, and historical festivals, and works with history societies and cultural organisations on lectures and craft demonstrations. He can present in historical costume or formal dress and provide his own public address system if required.

Remote & Virtual Speaking Engagements Available

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Historical Speaker for Event Entertainment

Ian has provided narration for a wide range of educational and entertainment events, including falconry displays, banquets, tournaments, and historical festivals. He has been successfully working with historical clubs and history societies, organising lectures and historical craft demonstrations, for more than fifteen years. His expert after-dinner speaking and Master of Ceremonies work has helped to add character and flavour to many formal occasions.

Most recently added characters are Sir Francis Drake, of Spanish Armada fame, William Nele, Assayer of Weights and Measures to King Henry VII, convicted criminal Charles Groom sent to America in 1773, and Alderman George Chapman 1461 of Stamford.

From Alnwick to Pendennis, Isle of Man to Dover, and a thousand places between, including Wembley Stadium, Cathedrals, Treasure Houses of England, schools, TV, private parties, corporate functions and 5* hotels, Ian has performed at them all.

You can choose the topic you would like covered, or ask Ian to select one. If your event is dedicated to a particular period or person, Ian can provide guidance and advice on the programme. Depending on your requirements, Ian can wear historical costume or formal dress, and can provide his own public address system if required.

He is also a Member of Equity, the actors Union.

Example History Talks

Talks I can deliver (if necessary in appropriate costume) which can last between 30 mins to 1hr includes:

The Mosquito of World War 2. Why the dh-98 should rightfully be considered the greatest military aircraft of all time.
Rum, Sodomy & The Lash. Life aboard Nelson's Navy 1795-1812.
Living Medieval. Research, Reconstruction, Re-enactment
'The Fouled Anchor' - The rise and fall of the British Royal Navy.
'Put That Light Out!' Air Raid Precautions of World War 2.
'Fat bloke does good!' An audience with Henry 8 and a story about 6 women...
Incunabula! The spark that lit the Renaissance
Horrible Hollywood History' - why do film makers get it so wrong?
The Dungeon Master - how role-playing games set my creative path.