Queen Victoria's relationship with her Indian servant, Hitler's women test pilots and the great Dickensian stink are all explored by three leading women authors at Gloucester History Festival (Sept 2 - 17).

This year's festival is the biggest and most varied so far, providing a fascinating and revealing insight into our rich heritage.

Now a major film starring Judi Dench, author Shrabani Basu speaks about her book Victoria and Abdul and the remarkable relationship between the Queen and a young Indian Muslim when she appears at the celebrated Blackfriars Talks on September 17.

Writer Clare Mulley (pictured) gives an intriguing talk about Nazi Germany's most decorated women test pilots in The Women for Hitler on September 16.

And author Rosemary Ashton will take her audience back to 1858 and a crucial year for Dickens, Darwin and Disraeli during the great stink from the Thames in London when she speaks at the Blackfriars Talks, also on September 16.

This year's Gloucester History Festival includes something for everyone from a host of free family events and workshops to thought-provoking talks by some of our most famous broadcasters and authors.

The theme of the fantastic 2017 Gloucester History Festival is "Revolution and Innovation" which will be explored at the Blackfriars Talks (September 9-17)

TV's Countryfile presenter Anita Rani, who made a moving journey into her family's Indian heritage in the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are, will talk about India's partition on its 70th anniversary (September 16).

Ever-popular TV broadcaster Dan Snow will present a rare chance to see his podcast Dan Snow's History Hit (September 14) and veteran politician and former Chancellor of the Exchequer Ken Clarke will give his forthright and often witty views on British politics (September 10).

Politician turned historian Roy Hattersley will reveal the fascinating story of the Catholics in Britain from before the Reformation to the present day as explored in his new best-selling book (September 13).

And Tony Robinson, TV's Baldrick and Time Team presenter, will talk about his life-long passion for history (September 9) while the BBC's former Moscow correspondent Bridget Kendall takes a fascinating look at the Cold War (also September 9).

The packed programme at Gloucester History Festival (with many events free) also includes:

• City Voices (September 2-17): Events in stunning locations across the city with historical and community talks, musical events and concerts, hands-on workshops, family shows including storytelling, nature trails and pop up activities

• Family Day (September 9): Free events for children of all ages and their families including fun hands-on workshops, great art activities, storytelling, exciting family trails and free shows across seven city venues

• Heritage Open Days (September 7-10): Visit many of Gloucester's historic buildings free of charge with talks, walks and music. A national scheme overseen by the National Trust.

The range of events at the Gloucester History Festival is vast and varied. Paddy O'Connell from BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House will talk about Capt. Jerry Roberts, one of the greatest codebreakers at Bletchley Park who helped win the Second World War (September 15).

David Olusoga, one of the presenters of the new BBC2 Civilisations history series, will ask whether TV can bring history and art to the people and change lives (September 10).

The History Festival is breaking new ground with the first public event for Shaun Greenhalgh, one of the world's greatest art forgers who fooled many of the experts. He will discuss the forger's skills with Sunday Times art critic Waldemar Januszczak (September 16)

And fans of Radio 4's serial about country folk, The Archers, are in for a treat. Actor Barry Farrimond who plays the character Ed Grundy, agricultural story editor Graham Harvey and writer Joanna Toye will talk about the world's longest running radio soap opera (September 12).

Value day passes are available Monday to Friday for the Blackfriars Talks and start from just £15 for a whole day's events.

For further details about the festival and to book tickets visit www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk  call the box office on 01452 396572 or visit the Tourist Information Centre at 28 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2DP.