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Historical consultant & BBC presenter

Ruth Goodman

Transform understanding of social history with Ruth Goodman, speaker and historical consultant. Ruth works with museums and media to bring everyday historical practices to life, delivering acclaimed insights featured on BBC series and in bestselling books like "How to be a Victorian."

Trusted by BBC

Ruth Goodman
Ruth Goodman

Ruth Goodman

Oxford, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£2k–5k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Ruth Goodman

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Oxford, United Kingdom

Starting from

£2k–5k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ruth Goodman's biography

At a glance

  • Consulting expert in British social history
  • Presenter of BBC series Victorian Farm
  • Bestselling author of How to be a Victorian

Ruth Goodman is a prominent social and domestic historian whose work spans television, museums, and educational institutions. With a focus on the daily lives of people in the past, she brings history to life through engaging storytelling and practical demonstrations. Her expertise in British social history has made her a sought-after consultant and presenter, contributing to several acclaimed television series, including "The Victorian Farm," "Wartime Farm," and "Inside the Factory."


Ruth's journey into history began after a challenging academic experience, which led her to explore various roles before finding her passion in historical consultancy. She has worked with prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Trust, providing insights that enhance public understanding of historical practices. Her dedication to social history is evident in her research, which has influenced her lifestyle choices, including a commitment to sustainable living.


Throughout her career, Ruth has authored several successful books, including "How to be a Victorian" and "The Domestic Revolution," which have resonated with audiences both in the UK and internationally. Her work has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also been recognised with an honorary degree from Bishop Grosseteste University for her contributions to history education.


Ruth's passion lies in exploring how everyday actions shape our world. She believes that understanding the past can illuminate present-day issues, particularly regarding environmental impact and societal structures. By examining the routines and choices of ordinary people, she highlights the significant role they play in shaping history. Ruth's engaging approach to history makes her a compelling speaker, inspiring audiences to appreciate the relevance of the past in their daily lives.

Ruth's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Ruth

Unlock the past with Ruth Goodman, acclaimed social historian and BBC presenter. Her insights into domestic life and historical practices empower teams to address modern challenges. Book Ruth for engaging workshops and lectures that inspire change and enhance understanding today.

Featured Projects

Ruth Goodman - The Curious History Of Your Home podcast cover
Ruth Goodman - The Domestic Revolution: How The Introduction Of Coal Into Victorian Homes Changed Everything book cover
Ruth Goodman - How To Be A Victorian: A Dawn-To-Dusk Guide To Victorian Life book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ruth Goodman for my next event?

To book Ruth Goodman, email ruth.goodman@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Ruth's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.

What is Ruth Goodman's speaking style like?

Ruth Goodman draws on hands-on historical research and practical demonstration to reconstruct the daily routines of ordinary people in the past, grounding her sessions in lived experience rather than abstract narrative.

What topics does Ruth Goodman specialise in?

Ruth Goodman specialises in British social and domestic history, covering everyday life in the past, environmental impact and sustainability, and the role of ordinary people in shaping historical change. She holds an honorary degree from Bishop Grosseteste University and is the author of How to be a Victorian and The Domestic Revolution, as well as presenter of the BBC series Victorian Farm.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

Have all the speakers on the website worked with PepTalk before?

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.