AN award-winning historian, broadcaster and television presenter has become a patron of the Hampshire History Trust.

The trust, which organises the Winchester Heritage Open Days announced that Dan Snow has become a patron of the organisation alongside John Pilkington.

Mr Snow said: “We are so blessed in Hampshire with a richness of history extending over thousands of years, I am proud to play a part in the Hampshire History Trust to ensure that we understand how that history has shaped us and conserve it for future generations.”

Known as The History Guy, Mr Snow has been a keen supporter of Winchester Heritage Open Days for a number of years, and his appointment forms part of the trust’s continued drive to raise funds and expand its projects further across Hampshire. 

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His appointment as a patron means supporters of Hampshire History Trust can look forward to new opportunities to hear from Britain’s best-known historian. 

On Thursday, September 7, the trust launched its new Friends Scheme, which offers benefits such as invitations to exclusive talks, early advice of Winchester Heritage Open Days events and regular updates on the trust’s year round activities. 

The trust will hold a coffee morning on Thursday, November 9, at Rick Stein, in Winchester High Street, for people interested in hearing more about the Friends Scheme, the trust’s work and how they can get involved or lend their support. The event is open and free to all, taking place from 9am - 11am.

Nicky Gottlieb, festival director, said: “Dan has been an enthusiastic supporter of Heritage Open Days and the work of the Hampshire History Trust for some time and we are pleased to welcome him as a patron. 

“We have just come to the end of another fantastic Heritage Open Days Festival and it is wonderful to have the support of our patrons as we plan for future projects highlighting the rich history of Hampshire.”