Winner Announced for 2026 Winston Graham Historical Prize

A ceremony held at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery last night revealed the latest winner of the Winston Graham Historical Prize, often described as Cornwall’s answer to the Booker Prize.

Guests gathered at the museum in Truro to discover which of the shortlisted authors would take home the prestigious award, which includes a £3,000 prize and recognition from both readers and a panel of judges.

📷Finalist and winner Benjamin Wood The Winston Graham awards night at The Tururo Museum and Gallery - Finalist Damian Barr

Benjamin Wood Wins With Seascraper

The 2026 prize was awarded to Benjamin Wood for his novel Seascraper, published by Penguin Random House.

Set in Northern England during the 1960s, Benjamin’s fifth novel has been described by critics as timeless, with a cinematic setting and a captivating protagonist.

Benjamin said:

“It’s a great honour to receive the Winston Graham Historical Prize, not least because it’s an award that celebrates writing with a strong sense of place. More and more, I’ve come to understand that the atmosphere of a story’s setting is the thing which most informs and motivates my process as a fiction writer, and this is particularly true of Seascraper, which I built from memories, experiences, and research into the heritage of my hometown of Southport. I was so pleased to have been shortlisted alongside four authors whose work is so varied and exceptional, and I’m delighted my book has been given this meaningful recognition.”

The rest of the shortlist included Helm by Sarah Hall (Faber & Faber), The Two Roberts by Damian Barr (Canongate), and The Pretender by Jo Harkin and Time of The Child by Niall Williams (both published by Bloomsbury). Judges described the entire shortlist as essential reading.

📷Finalist and winner Benjamin Wood The Winston Graham awards night at The Tururo Museum and Gallery - Finalist Damian Barr

Celebrating Winston Graham’s Legacy

The prize honours Winston Graham, the author behind the Poldark novels, who was known to use the museum in Truro while researching and writing his work.

Those attending the ceremony were joined by Winston’s son, Dr Andrew Graham, who took part in the presentation.

Guests were also able to explore the museum during the evening. Among the exhibits is the typewriter Winston used to write the Poldark novels, which is displayed in the Heart of Cornwall Gallery alongside items from Cornwall’s historical collections.

📷Finalist and winner Benjamin Wood The Winston Graham awards night at The Tururo Museum and Gallery - Finalist Damian Barr

Judges Reflect on a Strong Year for Historical Fiction

The judging panel included Winston’s daughter in law Peggotty Graham, Chair of Judges Charlotte Hobson, authors Patrick Gale and Wyl Menmuir, book blogger Cathy Johnson, and editor and arts administrator Sravya Raju.

Charlotte said:

“Historical fiction seems to be experiencing a period of ascendancy in the literary world at the moment, with historical novels scooping many of the major fiction prizes recently. The variety, freshness and power of our shortlisted titles this year are more evidence of the talent now choosing this genre – I’m sure, as in previous years, we’ll see these books gracing many other prize announcement!”

Museum Celebrates Cornwall’s Literary Links

Bryony Robins, Co Director of the museum, said the prize continues to grow in popularity.

“The buzz around the Winston Graham Historical Prize seems to grow year-on-year, fuelled by support from our many brilliant local independent bookshops as well as Waterstones here in Truro, which will host the Winston’s Wordsmiths young writers award next week. Our Winston Graham connection is a great opportunity to celebrate Cornwall as an inspiring setting for writers, but also the museum as a place where anyone can discover endless creative writing prompts as they explore our collections.”

The 2026 prize was sponsored by Hotel Tresanton with support from St Eval, Old Chapel Cellars, The Sea Shed and Amanda Taffinder Flowers.

The Winston Graham Historical Prize is one of several activities run by the Royal Institution of Cornwall, the charity that operates the museum. Readers can find out more on the Royal Institution of Cornwall page.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in the centre of Truro is home to a wide range of art and artefacts that explore the region’s history and culture. Visitors can learn more about the museum’s collections here or discover current exhibitions here.

An Annual Pass costs £10, while members and under 18s can enter for free.

📷Finalist and winner Benjamin Wood The Winston Graham awards night at The Tururo Museum and Gallery - Finalist Damian Barr