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- The Eagle and the Hart by Helen Castor is the 7/4 favourite for the 2025 Wolfson History Prize
- The £50,000 award recognises exceptional history books that balance scholarly depth with readability
- Eleanor Barraclough and Hannah Durkin also feature prominently in the latest betting market
Helen Castor Leads Early Betting For UK’s Most Prestigious History Award
When it comes to literary recognition for historical scholarship no prize in the UK carries more weight than the Wolfson History Prize.
For over 50 years this award has celebrated outstanding non-fiction that marries academic excellence with public accessibility and as we approach award night betting sites have opened markets on who might take this year’s crown.
Leading the field is Helen Castor, with her latest work The Eagle and the Hart priced at 7/4.
While not all bookmakers are currently pricing the market, entertainment betting sites are offering odds on the six standout titles vying for the £50,000 prize.
What Is the Wolfson History Prize?
Awarded by the Wolfson Foundation since 1972, the Wolfson History Prize is the most valuable history-writing award in the UK.
Each year, a panel of distinguished historians assesses eligible books published in the UK by British authors who are normally resident in the country.
The winner receives £50,000, while the shortlisted authors each receive £5,000
Booker Prize 2025 Odds: Andrew Miller Favourite Ahead of November 10 Announcement
Latest Odds - 2025 Wolfson History Prize Book
| Book Title | Author | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Eagle and the Hart | Helen Castor | 7/4 | 36.4% |
| Embers of the Hands | Eleanor Barraclough | 5/2 | 28.6% |
| Survivors | Hannah Durkin | 10/3 | 23.1% |
| Multicultural Britain | Kieran Connell | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective | Sara Lodge | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| The Gravity of Feathers | Andrew Fleming | 15/2 | 11.8% |
Helen Castor’s The Eagle and the Hart is viewed as the early frontrunner.
Castor, already well known for her accessible historical biographies, is no stranger to acclaim and this new release, exploring medieval power dynamics through the lens of English royalty, has resonated with critics and readers alike.
Close behind is Eleanor Barraclough at 5/2 with Embers of the Hands, a poetic yet rigorous study of climate, myth, and survival in early Viking cultures.
Outside contenders like Kieran Connell’s Multicultural Britain (5/1) and Sara Lodge’s fascinating deep-dive into Victorian women detectives (6/1) may surprise if the judging panel leans toward originality or cultural relevance.
Expert Insight
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Where To Bet on the Wolfson History Prize
While not all UK bookmakers list literary prize markets, a growing number of entertainment betting sites are offering prices on the 2025 Wolfson History Prize.
If you're considering a punt, look for operators known for their specials markets across TV, film, and culture.
You can explore the top platforms for these kinds of bets, many of which also offer free bets, by checking out our curated guide to the best entertainment betting sites.
The Wolfson History Prize has always spotlighted books that inform and inspire.
With another strong shortlist in 2025 and the betting market heating up early, all eyes are on who will take home the £50,000 prize.
Whether you’re a literary punter or a passionate reader, this is one of the year’s most rewarding awards to follow.
