‘History has shaped Memory. This involves giving an account that is itself historical, of how this happened, and what is happening now to the History that people do these things with: think by, imagine by, remember with.’ - Carolyn Steedman
Is there a historical narrative you want to share with the world? Are you unsure where to begin or stuck down a research rabbit hole?
The past is alive with stories waiting to be told or reimagined anew. At a time when the past is contested territory, writers of historical non-fiction have an opportunity (and a responsibility) to bring forgotten, evocative and important stories to light.
This weekend retreat with researcher and writer Alexis Wolf will help you develop your historical non-fiction writing by looking deeply into the past. Together, we will consider how the richness of records including archives, family papers, maps, photographs, material objects and more can be drawn on to create beautiful non-fiction writing. We will consider form and structure, including developing fragments into full-length narratives.
Drawing on the historical surroundings of 1066 Country, you can share work from pre-existing projects or receive guidance on how to approach new research and historical non-fiction writing. All time periods are welcome, as well as biographies, and hybrid works of memoir/historical writing.
Sussex in autumn is supremely atmospheric, and this weekend retreat, which takes place during Battle’s historic bonfire celebrations, is sure to spark the imagination and bring those flickering ideas into being.
About your workshop leader
Alexis Wolf is a researcher, writer and editor with a specialism in women’s writing, historical research and memoir. She has an MA in Biography & Creative Non-Fiction from UEA and a PhD in English & Humanities from Birkbeck. Her most recent book, Transnational Women Writers in the Wilmot Coterie: Beyond Borders and Boundaries was published in 2024. She has taught Creative Writing at universities in the US and the UK.
What’s included
2 nights in one of our cosy writing cabins, your very own creative haven for the weekend
A guided woodland walk in historic Powdermill Woods
A one-to-one with writer Alexis Wolf, plus the opportunity to submit 2,000 words of your writing to her beforehand
A reading list and writing exercise
A surprise book gift from our local independent bookshop, Rother Books, with a bar of Only Coco chocolate
A group bonfire, with historical hot chocolate from The Copper Pot
Optional
Delicious pre-prepared meals from Great Park Farm Shop
Battle Bangers from 1066 Butchers - the sausages are a local favourite for bonfire night
A walk into Battle for the historic Battle Bonfire celebrations. Established in 1646, it’s the oldest known bonfire society, and the torch-lit parade down Battle High Street, with the Abbey as the backdrop, is sure to ignite inspiration. (Please note, the walk to Battle is via the 1066 Country Walk and takes around 45 minutes each way. A head torch and walking boots are recommended).
Itinerary
Before your retreat
You’ll have the opportunity to send Alexis up to 2,000 words plus five pages of supporting documents before you arrive for your retreat. Then when it comes to your one to one, she’ll be ready to help with any questions you may have or areas you’re struggling with. She’ll also recommend a book she feels will be useful for your project, which we’ll have beautifully wrapped and waiting for you in your cabin.
On arrival
Once you’ve dropped off your bags and had a cup of tea, we’ll have a short orientation walk where you’ll get to meet your fellow writers.
Afterwards, you can relax in your cabin’s reading nook and take a look at the historic book gift that’s been chosen for you, while enjoying gingerbread made to an old Sussex recipe. There’ll also be a writing exercise left for you by Alexis.
Spend a gentle evening reading, writing or stargazing from the comfort of your bed. Each cabin has its own stargazing window, offering a timeless connection with those who’ve gone before us.
Saturday
We’ll begin the day with a woodland walk in historic Powdermill Woods. It’s a landscape full of stories, with its charcoal once used for gunpowder making… and legend has it Guy Fawkes even sourced the gunpowder for his famous plot there. Today it’s a much more peaceful place, yet it remains a working woodland, coppiced in the traditional way. (Some of the timber for the cabins, including the cladding and deck rails, came direct from Powdermill.) We’ll stop for breakfast pastries along the way, so feel free to bring a flask of our Bird and Wild coffee.
Afterwards, you’ll each have your one-to-one with Alexis. It’s your chance to get guidance on particular areas of your project you may be struggling with, and set yourself up for a fulfilling day of writing.
Early evening, we’ll down pens for hot chocolate round the bonfire. You’re very welcome to share what what you’ve written if you wish, but there’s absolutely no pressure to do so.
We’ll make sure we’re finished in time for you to walk into Battle for the annual bonfire celebrations if you’d like. Or, if you’d prefer, enjoy another cosy evening in your cabin and watch out for glimpses of the spectacular firework display.
Sunday
You can take Sunday at your own pace, with a late check-out leaving you free to enjoy a precious lie-in or spend more time writing before you say your goodbyes. Alternatively, visit Battle Abbey or one of the wonderful National Trust properties near us - Bateman’s, Bodiam or Sissinghurst.
Cost: £460
You can reserve your place with a 30% non-refundable deposit of £138. The balance is due 6 weeks before the retreat start date. Please see our terms and conditions for details of our cancellation policy.
How to book:
Email us at hello@starcroftfarmcabins.co.uk. Cabins are assigned on a first come, first served basis.