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Alice Loxton talks to Philippa Hall

Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives

Hay Festival 2025, 

Eighteen is a pivotal age, but what we’re like at this landmark age can tell us not just about ourselves, but the world around us. Author and social media sensation Alice Loxton introduces her new history of Britain, told through the lives of 18 figures throughout history when they were aged 18. Among those Loxton looks at are Elizabeth Tudor, the orphan facing deadly intrigue at court, and Richard Burton, the rugby-obsessed son of a Welsh miner.

Loxton is a historian and has pioneered bringing history to new audiences, with a social media following of more than 2 million. She regularly presents documentaries on History Hit, Channel 4 and the BBC and is author of Uproar! Scandal, Satire and Printmakers in Georgian London, nominated for Blackwell’s Book of the Year. She talks to Philippa Hall, presenter of the Quick Book Reviews podcast.