THE HAMPSHIRE History Trust has announced its new patron.

John Pilkington, one of Britain’s most experienced explorers, takes over the role as a keen supporter of the trust’s Winchester Heritage Open Days.

The organisation appointed John as part of its drive to raise funds and expand its projects across Hampshire.

READ MORE: Winchester explorer John Pilkington shares stories of his global journeys

Mr Pilkington, 73, of Culverwell Gardens, said: “I’ve spent half my life exploring the world, but Winchester and Hampshire have been home now for more than 40 years, and I always look forward to coming back. The city and county have been kind and generous to me, and best of all is Winchester’s unique heritage, so I’m thrilled to be a patron of our terrific Hampshire History Trust which oversees Winchester Heritage Open Days.”

The explorer has contributed to the Heritage Open Days in the Hampshire HistBites podcast and hosted a tour and talk on the history of Canon Street in 2021.

Festival director Nicky Gottlieb said, “John has been such a wonderful supporter of Heritage Open Days and we are very pleased and honoured to welcome him as our founding Patron.”

John was one of the first modern travellers to retrace the Silk Road from Venice to China, and has also walked the 1,600-mile Royal Road of the Incas through the Andes of Ecuador and Peru.

The adventurer has written books and shared his experiences with more than 1,000 audiences in six countries as well as featuring in BBC Radio 4 programmes such as From Our Own Correspondent. 

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Mr Pilkington’s first appearance at Heritage Open Days told the story of the City Museum’s famous model of Victorian Winchester, built by Roger Brown in the 1980s and 90s. John was a county council colleague and friend of Roger so was able to give some insider intel.

The new patron has also supported Whitchurch Silk Mill, where his Silk Road journey began more than 30 years ago.

Hampshire History Trust was set up to promote the county’s diverse history and to run free and low-cost educational projects.

The trust organises the free 10-day festival Winchester Heritage Open Days annually. The charity hopes to increase its community projects and encourage more people to engage with the history that surrounds them