Shows
Willy Willy Harry Stee...Book Club - EleanorIn this episode Alice Loxton joins Charlie Higson to talk about her new book, ‘Eleanor’.In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I, the warrior king.Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalized in stone.To mark the places where it laid, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.More than seven centuries later, Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge: following in history’s footst...
2025-12-2349 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - Edward IWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry Three, One Two Three Neds.........Well in this episode Charlie Higson concerns himself with Ned No.1..Edward The 1st, Edward Longshanks or The Hammer Of The Scots, although whilst he did a lot of hammering, the nails weren't really driven home very well.Charlie's 'Proper Historian' for this episode is the excellent Marc Morris, author of A Great & Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain and speaking of books, remember that you can still buy the book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee, a hardback...
2025-12-191h 13Willy Willy Harry Stee...Book Club - The Map MenIn this BRAND NEW episode from Charlie Higson, he mixes History and Cartography to bring you the authors of a book that shows that a map might not be the honest, accurate and useful tool you once thought. Born on Youtube, The Map Men has been an internet sensation and their new book 'This Way Up' is a funny and fascinating journey into the maps that messed up: big time!In this chat with Mark Cooper-Jones and Jay Foreman (aka, the Map Men) Charlie finds out how they got into the world of...
2025-12-1251 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - Henry IIIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry Three.........Charlie Higson continues his canter through the Monarchy and along with Henry, comes Simon De Montfort.Was Henry weak and inept while Simon held the real power?We'll find out as Charlie welcomes this week's proper historian, Sophie Therese Ambler author of a biography of Simon de Montfort called - The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary and the Death of Chivalry. If you'd like to read all about it, remember that this episode is a book companion to...
2025-12-0558 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - King Richard 1Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick....... In this episode, Charlie Higson explores Richard I, or to give him his popular name Richard The Lionheart.Noble, considerate and fair.....according to Walt Disney, however Charlie digs a little deeper and finds a King of England who, well, wasn't in England very much.With guest proper historian, the excellent Dan Jones, author of The Plantagenets & Essex Dogs to help him, Charlie uncovers the REAL Richard I.And remember, Willie Willie Harry Stee, the book of the podcast, is out now, so you...
2025-11-211h 05Willy Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - Henry IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry......yes, Charlie Higson reaches Monarch number 5 in the shape of Henry II, a man who fought and married his way to the top only for his wife and sons to rebel against him and start a revolt.What would you do?Well in this episode you'll find out exactly what Henry II did and how he did it.Helen Castor, author of 'She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth' is Charlie's guest 'proper' historian.Of course, you can also now read...
2025-11-141h 03Willy Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - Stephen & MatildaThe saga continues as Charlie Higson brings you the story of Stephen & Matilda. When Henry I died, the crown should have fallen to his daughter, the Empress Matilda.BUTStephen of Blois got there first to claim the crown and together with his wife, a different Matilda, Matilda of Boulogne.....it all went horribly wrong as you'll hear.Charlie's proper historian guest is Cath Hanley author of Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior.And remember, Willie Willie Harry Stee, the book of the podcast, is out now, so...
2025-11-0758 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - Henry IImagine you have two brothers. One of them is King of England, the other two want to be. What would YOU do?Well how about this. You have the brother who is King killed in a convenient hunting accident, then lock the other one up for the rest of his life.Farfetched? Then listen on as Charlie Higson continues his personal history of the extraordinary story of the Monarchs of England, assisted by this week's proper historian, Lord Charles Spencer.And remember, Willie Willie Harry Stee, the book of the...
2025-10-3157 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Club - The History GossipIn this, the final episode of the Summer / Autumn History Book Club, Charlie Higson welcome a talented young historian who is really making waves in the social media world.Katie Kennedy, also known on Tik Tok as 'The History Gossip' is dedicated to popularising history and making it accessible and relatable – and she’s done all this while being a student and studying history at university.Earlier this year, she wrote her first book, called Was Anne of Cleves a Minger?It presents a fun and interesting hist...
2025-10-2938 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - William IIIn this second chance to hear episode, Charlie Higson continues his voyage through the rhyme of 'Willy Willy Harry Stee', stopping at the second Willy, King William the 2nd otherwise known as William Rufus. This week's proper expert is James Hawes, author of the smash hit 'The Shortest History of England’, who’s been in the bestseller charts as both a crime novelist and a popular historian.In this episode, find out how the Norman invasion directly led to Brexit!It really is a real life version of Succession!
2025-10-241h 05Willy Willy Harry Stee...The Far Right History HijackIn the special episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson digs deep into the way history is being used, or mis-used. His guest is Dr Rachel Moss, a medieval historian at the University of Northampton, who has been awarded a prestigious joint research grant from the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust to investigate how far-right groups in Britain have historically misused medieval imagery and narratives to promote extremist ideologies.Rachel explains just how long this has been happening and explores some of the root causes of the appeal of this hijacking...
2025-10-2254 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Companion - William IWith the publication of the book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee, (available now in ALL bookshops, both those made of bricks and those made of data), Charlie Higson thought it would be a good idea to give you another chance to hear the podcast version of the monarchs, in order, starting with William the Conqueror, otherwise known as William the Bastard.The question is WHY was he known as this?The answer is.....well, Charlie will explain along with proper historian, Judith Green.You can buy the book...
2025-10-1759 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...THE BOOK OF THE PODCAST!!Welcome to this very special episode, timed to coincide with the official launch of Charlie Higson's book of the podcast, Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee: An Epically Short History of Our Kings and Queens. Charlie is joined by the book's illustrator, formerly known as Britain's Top Light Entertainer under his stage name Vic Reeves, the acclaimed artist Jim Moir.The book is OUT NOW so order it here..... https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603 ..... or go and buy one, its available in all great booksellers. Hosted on...
2025-10-1048 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Book Club - WILLIE WILLE HARRY STEEAnd so it came to pass that Charlie Higson's epic podcast Willie Willie Harry Stee made its long awaited transformation from Podcast to Book!Yes, on October 9th, Charlie's personal history of the monarchy becomes a literary work, with deliciously witty illustrations by Jim Moir.It's a rip-roaring romp through history that takes in the Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts, Hanoverians and Windsors, not to mention the infamous Blois (how can we forget them?).But hang on......how can Charlie interview himself about his own book?? Well, he can't, which is why the...
2025-10-0349 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Jasper Tudor - The Good DukeIn this brand-new episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee Charlie Higson is looking at Jasper Tudor.Although he's a name that doesn't spring to many people's lips in everyday conversation, he is a fascinating and important character, describing himself as brother and uncle of kings, his nephew being Henry VII, father of the most infamous Tudor of them all, Henry VIII.To help Charlie unwrap Jasper's life and influence, Charlie welcomes Nathan Amin back to the podcast, author of Son of Prophecy, the Rise of Henry Tudor.
2025-06-1354 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...The Shameless Plug!Happy Easter!Right, that's enough of that, it's time to think about Christmas. It's a tricky time of year, knowing what to buy for friends and family. BUT, Good News, Charlie Higson has solved all your problems by writing Willy Willy Harry Stee - An Epically Short History Of Our Kings & QueensYes, it's the book of the podcast and even better, you can pre-order your copy by clicking the link below!In this special Easter episode, Charlie explains how a lockdown brain exercise became a hit...
2025-04-1816 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Eustace The MonkIn this third series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson is looking at the interesting characters who pop up alongside the monarchs and there are few more interesting than Eustace The Black Monk. Don't be fooled by the 'Monk' part of his moniker. Eustace was a Pirate, a Mercenary and other very un-Monk-like things. To help Charlie tell his fascinating tale, he's joined by Dr Sean McGlynn, author of Blood Cries Afar: The Forgotten Invasion of England and Kill Them All: Cathars and Carnage in the Albigensian Crusade. Hosted on...
2025-02-0742 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Empress MatildaImagine the scene. You're the king but through tragic circumstances you have no legitimate male heirs. To maintain the lineage, you agree with those in power that your daughter would become Queen on your death. They all agree. Jobs a good 'un.That is until you die and your daughter's pesky cousin, a bloke, nips in and steals the crown.Farfetched? Not at all and in this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the life of the woman who had the throne pinched from under her, Empress Matilda. To assist Charlie, he...
2025-01-241h 07Willy Willy Harry Stee...William MarshallIn this episode, Charlie Higson turns his attention to an incredible figure, William Marshall, dubbed The Greatest Knight In Christendom and it's easy to see why. Not only did he live into his 70's, amazing considering he was born in 1146, but he served 5 kings at a time when life expectancy in a royal court was, well, limited.Joining Charlie is Sophie Therese Ambler, author of a biography of Simon De Montfort, the man who led a rebellion against King Henry III, the last King that William Marshall served. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...
2025-01-171h 18Willy Willy Harry Stee...LIVE EVENT - How To Depose A Medieval RulerIn this special Medieval guest-fest, Charlie Higson welcomes not one but THREE fabulous historians to the show, recorded live in front of an audience at the British Library, as part of Medieval Fest! which took place in December 2024. The discussion was 'How To Depose A Medieval Ruler', and Charlie was joined by a star-studded team of experts – Nathen Amin (Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor), Helen Castor (The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV) and Lubaaba Al-Azami (Travellers in the Golden Realm: How Mughal India Connected England to the Worl...
2025-01-101h 08Willy Willy Harry Stee...Medieval Women: In Their Own WordsIn this special episode, Charlie Higson gets the inside story of an extraordinary exhibition that runs at The British Library until March 2nd 2025, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words The exhibition includes some rare and wonderful documents, manuscripts and even music, so to explain its creation, Charlie chats with Ellie Jackson, one of the curators of this remarkable collection. To book your tickets to see the exhibition, click here..... https://medievalwomen.seetickets.com/timeslots/filter/medieval-women-in-their-own-words?utm_source=digital&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=medieval_women Hosted on...
2025-01-0336 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...The CrusadesIn this second episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee - Series 3, Charlie Higson takes a deep dive into the religious wars of the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. Helping Charlie to navigate this complex period is Professor Jonathan Phillips, Professor Of Crusading History at the Royal Holloway University Of London and author of many books on this subject including The Crusades: 1095 - 1204. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-12-1355 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...NEW SERIES: Hereward The WakeIn this Brand New Series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson examines in more detail some of the characters surrounding our monarchs. In this first episode, Charlie welcomes regular guest Marc Morris back to get under the skin of the leader of the Norman resistance, Hereward The Wake and to find out how strong this resistance to William I really was. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-12-0641 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Harald HardradaTo round off Series 2 and our delve into our Anglo-Saxon past, Charlie Higson looks at the extraordinary life of Harald Hardrada. King of Norway and if things had gone differently, he may have been King of England, but, as you will hear, he didn't quite make it.Helping Charlie to look into this fascinating character is Don Hollway, author of The Last Viking and Battle For The Island Kingdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-11-1555 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Edward The ConfessorIn this episode of Charlie Higson's canter through Anglo-Saxon England, he reaches the end of the Wessex dynasty.Edward The Confessor. He died without an heir, which triggered a real life Game of Thrones, although it was more like Musical Chairs.Ably assisting Charlie in understanding Edward's motives is David Woodman, author of the Penguin Monarch's edition on Edward The Confessor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-11-0855 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...CnutYes, this episode in Charlie Higson's romp through the pre-Norman monarchs lands on another one we've kind of heard of. King Cnut, sometimes called 'The Great' due to his North Sea empire, also the one who sat on the beach and commanded the tide to stop coming in......or did he???Assisting Charlie in untangling the facts from the nonsense is Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-11-0155 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Edmund IronsideEgbert's name our list will head then Ethel's Wolf, Bold, Burt and Red. Alf the great and elder Ned, Athelstone. Edmund and Red, Edwig, Edgar, Martyred Ned, never ready Æthelred. Edmund Ironside and Swain and after them Canute the Dane.In this episode, Charlie Higson examines the mess that happened between the death of Æthelred and the reign of Canute. it was a short period of turmoil and carnage, but luckily Charlie has Justin Pollard on hand to help decipher it. Hosted on...
2024-10-2548 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE 100 - The British EmpireIn this very special 100th edition of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson looks at a huge and hugely important topic in all our histories, The British Empire, and who better to join Charlie, on this special occasion, than historian and host of the Empire podcast, William Dalrymple. If you've ever wondered what the British Empire was all about, start here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-10-1851 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Æthelred the UnreadyBattling his way through the Anglo-Saxon monarchs, Charlie Higson arrives at one we're all familiar with, Æthelred the Unready.As with many monarchs of this period, we know his name and his amusing nickname, but not much else besides.Luckily for us Charlie and his guest Levi Roach author of Æthelred: the Unready are on hand to explain what turns out to be a hilarious medieval pun! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-10-111h 06Willy Willy Harry Stee...The 5 EdsIn this episode we reach the point in Charlie Higson's history of the Anglo-Saxon monarchy where we come up against 5 Kings who weren't King very long. Yes, if Aldi sold Kings, it would be the best offer ever. Buy one, get 5 free! So settle back and enjoy the (short) stories of Eds – Mund & Red, Edwig, Edgar and Martyred Ned.And if that offer wasn't good enough, Charlie will throw in expert help from Marc Morris, author of The Anglo-Saxons: A History of The Beginnings Of Britain. Hosted on Ac...
2024-10-041h 05Willy Willy Harry Stee...ÆthelstanIn this episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson continues to unpick the sometimes confusing world of the Anglo-Saxon Monarchs, helping you to understand your Ethel's from your Athel's. Here, he gets to grips with Æthelstan, the man often considered The First King Of England. Find out why with Charlie and his guest James Hawes, author of the brilliant Shortest History Of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-09-271h 08Willy Willy Harry Stee...Edward & ÆthelflædIn the third episode of the new series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson looks at the life of Alfred The Great's successor Edward The Elder. But if you look at Edward, you also have to explore the incredible parallel life and leadership of his sister Æthelflæd, the Lady of the Mercians.Joining Charlie to uncover this fascinating story of sibling collaboration and rivalry, is Joanna Arman, author of The Warrior Queen: The Life and Legend Of Æthelflæd, Daughter Of Alfred The Great Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
2024-09-2048 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Alfred The GreatHistory shows that when you've got a name like 'Alfred The Great', you're possibly not quite as 'great' as some might think, however when it comes to Alfred, it seems he earned his nickname for many reasons, as Charlie Higson discovers in episode 2 of this new series. Helping Charlie fact-check Alfred's greatness is Justin Pollard, Historian, TV producer and author of Alfred The Great: The Man Who Made England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-09-131h 05Willy Willy Harry Stee...Series 2 - The IntroductionSo here it is. Series Two of Willy Willy Harry Stee and Charlie Higson is going to start by going back and looking at the pre-Norman Kings of England, the Saxons and the Vikings. In this introductory episode, Charlie lays the groundwork for the appearance of Alfred The Great, to come in the next podcast. It has all the thrills and excitement of a Hollywood blockbuster! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-09-0624 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - The Origin Of LanguageThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie looks at the origins of many words we use everyday without knowing why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2922 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - The alternative rhymeThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie's diversion concerns the actual rhyme that inspired the podcast. Willy Willy Harry Stee, or rather an alternative version which requires a lot of learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2808 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - Wars Of The Roses from a different perspectiveThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie finds out that the Welsh view of the Wars Of The Roses was more like a giant family squabble! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2711 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - Great Tales from English HistoryThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie gives us an insight into how he was partly inspired to create the Willy Willy Harry Stee podcast, thanks to a fabulous book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2605 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - A Baptism of SalivaThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie looks at the eventful baptism of James I. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2305 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - ConservatismThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie takes a lost piece from the Oliver Cromwell episode and compares it to the modern day political situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2208 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - The ChurchillsThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie discusses the switching sides habit of the Churchill family, from John to Winston and ending up at Boris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2106 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - Robin HoodThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie talks about his love of Ladybird books and how the Robin Hood edition in particular stayed with him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-2009 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - Lord Of The RingsThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie lets us into his personal obsession of Orcs and their pikes in Lord Of The Rings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-1906 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - Royal Ceremonial RegaliaThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie talks is through the ceremonial regalia that has been used over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-1506 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Short - The HashashinThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie looks at the middle east and examines the myth of it's peaceful past prior to the Crusades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-1404 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - What Is HistoryThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Ian Mortimer, author of The Time Traveller's Guide books chats with Charlie Higson about what 'history' actually is and give his views on what it isn't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-1204 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - Elephant & CastleThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie explain how popular legends can sometimes be less than accurate and how Elephant & Castle in London is nothing to do with Eleanor of Castile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-0804 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - East & WestThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy and the country.In today's episode, Charlie explores the evolution of accents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-0712 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Shorts - The IllegitimatesThrough August, Charlie Higson brings you a summer treat. A series of short daily episodes of Willy Willy Harry Stee which allow you to hear the bits we had to cut from the original series. Interesting facts about all aspects of the monarchy. In this first episode, Charlie looks at how some English Kings were able to produce vast numbers of illegitimate children, while singularly failing to produce legitimate heirs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-0515 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - The Rise of Henry TudorIn this special Bonus episode, Charlie Higson welcomes back a guest from earlier in the series, Nathen Amin, a proud Welshman and self-proclaimed Henry VII super-fan. Charlie chats with Nathen about his new book Son Of Prophecy: The Rise Of Henry Tudor temporarily shining the spotlight away from Henry's notorious son, Henry VIII Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-0247 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - A Guide To Mediaeval EnglandIn this bonus episode, Charlie Higson welcomes back one his previous guests, Matt Lewis, who originally joined Charlie back on Episode 22 to make the case for 'Dick The Bad', unsurprising as Matt is chair of the Richard III society.Now though, Matt goes all mediaeval on us as he talks about his newest book, The History Hit Guide To Mediaeval England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-07-1946 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - World War II ExplainedIn this bonus episode, Charlie Higson takes a more detailed look at the greatest challenge in King George VI's reign, The Second World War.To help Charlie understand some of the key points is a man who, by his own admission, is obsessed with WW2, James Holland, author of over 30 books on the subject, host of the We Have Ways podcast with Al Murray and co-founder of the Chalke and We Have Ways festivals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-07-121h 01Willy Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - Chalke History Festival 2024In this special episode, recorded live at the Chalke History Festival in Wiltshire, Charlie Higson invites 3 special guests to discuss whether we can trust history and how it is presented in films and television, books and in our schools.Joining Charlie on the outdoor stage, in front of a large audience, were broadcaster and writer Alice Loxton, historian, television producer and writer Justin Pollard and 'Ghosts' and 'Horrible Histories' actor and comedian Laurence Rickard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-07-051h 05Willy Willy Harry Stee...An Overview of the Royal story so far.....After 42 monarchs and 66 episodes, Charlie Higson reached the end of the rhyme that he learned in school and in this special overview episode, Charlie discusses the winners, the losers, whether it's changed his view of the monarchy and the startling similarity between the Royals and the Corleones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-06-2843 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Charles IIIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, then Edward, George and Ned The Eighth, quickly goes and Abdicat’th...Then Comes George and Lizzie II....and Charlie Next To See UsThrough......And so, just over a year after he began, Charlie Higson reaches the end of his rhyme, though not the end of...
2024-06-211h 04Willy Willy Harry Stee...Elizabeth IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, then Edward, George and Ned The Eighth, quickly goes and Abdicat’th...Then Comes George....and Lizzie IIThis episode is a first in that it deals with a Queen that some of us might actually have met. Charlie Higson did, albeit briefly and here, he...
2024-06-141h 24Willy Willy Harry Stee...George VIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, then Edward, George and Ned The Eighth, quickly goes and Abdicat’th...Then Comes GeorgeWe're up to our final George....King George VI. A man who, though never destined to be the monarch, actually turned out to be the right man for the job....an...
2024-05-311h 20Willy Willy Harry Stee...Edward VIIIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, Edward, George.....and Ned The Eighth, quickly goes and Abdicath...Charlie Higson's monarchical quest moves one step closer to the present day as he reached Edward VIII, the only King to have given up the throne voluntarily. Was this due to his...
2024-05-241h 12Willy Willy Harry Stee...George VWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, Edward, George.....Yes, we're up to George V, a man who didn't expect to be King, but ended up being quite good at it, in fact his actions saved the monarchy when all around Europe, others fell. Alex Churchill makes a welcome...
2024-05-171h 16Willy Willy Harry Stee...Edward VIIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, Then Comes Edward.....King Edward VII to be precise, though you may call him Bertie. A man who, as Prince Edward, loved the good things in life but, as we'll hear, matured into a decent King, though, like our current monarch, had to wait a...
2024-05-031h 12Willy Willy Harry Stee...VictoriaWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria!We're starting to move into familiar territory here as Charlie Higson looks at a Queen we all think we know. Victoria, but as we'll hear, we probably don't know anywhere near as much as we think. Helping Charlie this episode is proper...
2024-04-261h 24Willy Willy Harry Stee...William IVWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William.....After the extravagance of George IV, his more austere son King William IV is pushed into the spotlight. A latecomer to the throne, here was a man who would much rather have been on a battleship than in Buckingham Palace.Helping Charlie Higson to...
2024-04-1956 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...George IVWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges.....And so the final George hove's into view, as Charlie Higson brings us George IV. The Prince Regent who became a king, eventually, he liked the finer things in life and changed fashion forever!Helping Charlie unravel his life is Catherine Curzon, author of Kings...
2024-04-121h 13Willy Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - A History of SlaveryBefore Charlie Higson uncovers the fourth of our run of George's, he brings you this bonus episode, looking at the fascinating – and often over-looked history of black people in Britain, as well as the history of slavery and how that affected British society.Joining Charlie is Dr. Onyeka Nubia. A writer, presenter and historian, Onyeka is senior lecturer in history at the University of Nottingham, with a particular focus on Africans in ancient and mediaeval England. In 2013 he published Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England, Their Presence, Status and Origins...
2024-04-0558 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - The Satirists with Alice LoxtonIn this special bonus episode, Charlie Higson continues his romp through the Georgian period with a focus on the Satirists. Let's face it, there was a lot going on. The Napoleonic Wars, Royal Madness, Political Intrigue. All juicy content with fine comedic potential if you're a brilliant young artist with a sense of humour, someone like James Gillray.Far from being worried by scathing political cartoons, the leaders of the day sobbed if they weren't caricatured. It truly was the forerunner to Spitting Image. Helping Charlie sketch a picture of...
2024-03-2941 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - The Seven Years War with Dan SnowIn this special bonus episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson looks at the greatest conflict of the 18th century, The Seven Years War.In reality, this can be seen as the first World War, taking in Europe, North America, The Caribbean and India.To help navigate this dangerous path, Charlie is joined by Dan Snow, creator of History Hit and author of Death Or Victory: The Battle For Quebec and The Birth of Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-03-2251 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...George III - Part 2Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges.....With a reign so long it demanded two episodes, Charlie Higson wraps up King George III and it's a pretty epic task, taking in the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the creation of the United Kingdom and some big characters like Horatio Nelson, Pitt The Younger and of...
2024-03-151h 06Willy Willy Harry Stee...George III - Part 1Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges.....Our quartet of George's reaches number 3 with our longest serving King.....so far! It's a reign so long that we've had to split it into two parts. In this episode, Charlie Higson looks at the early life of George III. Assisting Charlie...
2024-03-081h 21Willy Willy Harry Stee...George IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges.....The second of our four Georges hove's into view...George II. He hated his dad, he wasn't particularly passionate (just ask his mistress!) but he was the last British sovereign to fight alongside his soldiers. Charlie Higson welcomes Tracy Borman back to the podcast to...
2024-03-011h 08Willy Willy Harry Stee...George IWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges.....Skip around 50 more eligible heirs and what do you get? You get the House of Hanover and the first of our four Georges.......George I. If you've ever wondered how we ended up with a German king, Charlie Higson will enlighten you, along with his...
2024-02-231h 18Willy Willy Harry Stee...Queen AnneWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria.....This is the tale of our one and only Queen Anne, who despite giving birth 17 times, was unable to produce an heir, ending the Stuart dynasty forever.Joining Charlie Higson as he delves into Anne's eventful life is Ophelia Field, author of The Kit Kat Club and...
2024-02-161h 26Willy Willy Harry Stee...William & Mary - Part 1Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary.......Having booted her Dad out of power, along comes Mary II, complete with husband William Of Orange.In the episode, the first of two on these joint rulers, Charlie Higson looks at Mary's life, along with his 'proper' historian, Dr Jonathan Healey who makes a welcome return to the...
2024-02-0252 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...James IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie, James again.......In this episode, Charlie Higson examines a reign that could be filed under 'Not Very Successful', lasting only 3 years and being ended by his daughter and son-in-law. Helping Charlie understand our last catholic king is 'proper' historian Rebecca Rideal, author of 1666 Plague War and Hellfire...
2024-01-261h 06Willy Willy Harry Stee...Charles IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie Charlie.....And so, after an 11 year gap, Britain goes from puritan republic to the land of randy rakes, headed up by Charles II.Charlie Higson regales us with the story of a man who loved ladies, laziness and.....well, that was about it really. And, to make it a triplet of...
2024-01-191h 27Willy Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - The UncrownedRobbie, Willie, Mattie, Eustace, Harry, Arthur, Edward, Roger…What's that? I hear you say - that's not the normal rhyme - what's happened here? Who are these people? Well, this is another special episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee - a sidebar episode, in which we take a look at some of the people in our history who should have come to the throne but never did.Joining Charlie Higson to find out about these unfortunates is Ashley Mantle, author of Uncrowned - Royal Heirs Who Didn't Take The ThroneRe...
2023-12-2927 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...THE CHRISTMAS SPECIALWilly Willy Merry Christmas!In this Christmas Special episode, Charlie Higson takes us through the many connections the Monarchy has had with Christmas over the years.Learn about carols you've been singing incorrectly, how early Christmas trees doubled as incendiary devices and hear Charlie and guest Helen Castor discuss one of the greatest seasonal royal films of all time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-12-221h 04Willy Willy Harry Stee...Charles IWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie......Charles The 1st, a king so bad he got himself executed and almost finished the Monarchy off for good. But, of course, the story isn't that simple. Luckily for us, Charlie Higson unpicks his life with the help of Leanda De Lisle, historian and author of Henrietta Maria, Conspirator, Warrior, Phoenix Queen....
2023-12-151h 14Willy Willy Harry Stee...Mary, Queen Of ScotsOnce again, the 'Willy Willy' rhyme takes a back seat as Charlie Higson digs into the extraordinary life of Mary, Queen Of Scots.Crowned Queen at 18 months old, made Queen Consort of France before being widowed at 18, her 2nd husband was murdered, her 3rd was one of the murderers! Oh and then she was imprisoned for 20 years before being executed.No wonder so much has been written about her, including the book that spawned a Hollywood movie, 'My Heart Is My Own' by Charlie's guest John Guy. Hosted on Acast. See...
2023-12-011h 05Willy Willy Harry Stee...SPECIAL EPISODE - The Best & Worst Monarchs - LIVEThis special edition of Charlie Higson's meander through the Monarchy was recorded live at the Chalke Valley History Festival, back in May of 2023. Joining Charlie, on an open air stage in front of a large audience, were historian and co-host of The Rest Is History podcast Tom Holland, Have I Got News For You regular and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop and historian Leanda De Lisle.The topic of discussion? The Best & Worst Monarchs including thoughts from the panel, but also from the audience. Find our more about the Chalke...
2023-11-2459 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Elizabeth I - Part 1Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie......Yes, in this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the life of one of the best known of all the Monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I. And it's a long life, so long in fact that it requires 2 episodes to fit it all in. In Part 1, Charlie takes us from her birth through to taking the throne, helped along by the welcome...
2023-11-101h 03Willy Willy Harry Stee...Mary IWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary.......Welcome to our first official Queen as Charlie Higson uncovers the life of Mary I, who, as we saw last episode, quickly saw off Lady Jane Grey before equally quickly seeing off the protestant reformation......for a while at least. But was she really that 'bloody'? To help Charlie find out is his 'proper historian', Alexander Samson, author of...
2023-11-031h 13Willy Willy Harry Stee...Edward VIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The LadHenry VIII's only legitimate son is crowned King at 9 years old and as Charlie Higson discovers, his should have been the perfect reign, but it will come as no surprise to find out that things didn't go according to plan. Helping Charlie is this episodes proper historian, Stephen Alford who wrote about Edward for Penguin Books 'Monarch' series as well...
2023-10-201h 08Willy Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - David MitchellThe Monarchy is a hot topic. Willy Willy Harry Stee from Charlie Higson may be your royal podcast of choice, but David Mitchell wants you to buy his book, which takes the story of the English Monarchy up Elizabeth 1st.The book is called Unruly and in this fun episode, Charlie and David compare notes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-10-0438 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Henry VIIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain.......Yes, Charlie Higson's personal history of the Monarchy lands on Henry VII, the victor at the Battle Of Bosworth and our first Tudor King, and it turns out he was a pretty good one!Joining Charlie is this episodes 'Proper Historian', is Nathen Amin, author of Tudor Wales, The House of Beaufort, and Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders: Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick
2023-09-291h 13Willy Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - Understanding The TudorsWelcome to another Sidebar episode from Charlie Higson in his personal history of the Monarchy, Willy Willy Harry Stee. As we wave goodbye to the Plantagenets and that pesky War Of The Roses, we welcome a new Dynasty, The Tudors. To help understand where they came from, Charlie chats to Tracy Borman, a proper historian and author of Crown & Sceptre & The Private Lives Of The Tudors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-09-2733 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Edward VWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five....As he wades through the Wars Of The Roses, Charlie Higson reaches a king whose reign can be measured in days, Edward V. As one of the two Princes In The Tower along with his brother Richard Of Shrewsbury, Edward's life was short and tragic.In a departure from the norm, instead of the usual 'proper historian', Charlie invites a fellow history fan to join him...
2023-09-1549 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Henry VI - Part 1Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........The story of Henry VI is a tangled one, intertwined with Edward IV and, not something to be rushed. So over the next two episodes, Charlie Higson unpicks the story of a man who became king, then was deposed only to become king again, only to be deposed.....again!It's a fascinating story which takes in a couple of wars, one civil and one against the French and even Joan of Arc makes an...
2023-08-251h 10Willy Willy Harry Stee...Henry VWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five....... In this episode, Charlie Higson looks at the second-most famous Henry.....Henry V. As you'll hear, Henry was one tough bugger! Battle Of Agincourt? Easy! Arrow embedded in your face? 'Tis but a scratch! His reign was short but he got things done as you'll hear along with Charlie's proper historian this week, Dr Rory Cox, all round Henry V expert and author of Origins Of The Just War....
2023-08-181h 12Willy Willy Harry Stee...Richard IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three. One Two Three Neds, Richard Two........ Charlie Higson's canter through the Monarchy takes us to Richard The 2nd. You'd think by now that they'd have got the hang of this whole King thing. What to do. What not to do. Well, they hadn't and Richard II is a good example of the 'What Not To Do' category. Charlie's proper historian this episode sees the return of Helen Castor, author of 'She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth' who is also working on a...
2023-08-041h 02Willy Willy Harry Stee...Edward IIIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds..... Yes, Charlie Higson reaches the third of his Neds, Edward III and for once in our story he actually turned out to be a half decent king, or so it was thought at the time.Find out how he contended with fighting the Scots, the French and the Black Death.Charlie's proper historian this episode is Helen Carr, author of the best-selling The Red Prince: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
2023-07-2859 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...BONUS EPISODE - The Middle AgesIn a special side edition of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson chats with the excellent Ian Mortimer author of The Time Travellers Guide To Medieval England. As Charlie navigates the Medieval Monarchs, this episode asks the question, what was life really like in The Middle Ages for ordinary folk? Were Monty Python right all along? Well, no. It's a tale of medical ingenuity, religion and buttons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-07-2646 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Edward IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds..... So goes the rhyme Charlie Higson learnt at school, each a Monarch and each seemingly unable to learn any lessons from their predecessor, as ably demonstrated by this episode's King, Edward The 2nd. Find out how his disastrous relationships, especially with Piers Gaveston gave rise to his downfall at the hands of his own wife Queen Isabella which led to a particularly unpleasant end.Charlie's proper historian this episode is Dr Rory Cox, author of Origins of the Just War...
2023-07-211h 08Willy Willy Harry Stee...Edward IWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry Three, One Two Three Neds.........Well in this episode Charlie Higson concerns himself with Ned No.1..Edward The 1st, Edward Longshanks or The Hammer Of The Scots although whilst he did a lot of hammering, the nails weren't really driven home very well.Charlie's 'Proper Historian' for this episode is the excellent Marc Morris, author of A Great & Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-07-141h 13Willy Willy Harry Stee...Henry IIIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry Three.........Charlie Higson continues his canter through the Monarchy and along with Henry, comes Simon De Montfort.Was Henry weak and inept while Simon held the real power? We'll find out as Charlie welcomes this week's proper historian, Sophie Therese Ambler author of a biography of Simon de Montfort called - The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary and the Death of Chivalry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-07-0756 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...King JohnWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John.........Charlie Higson's romp through the middle ages lands on King John, who hasn't been fondly remembered. BUT...was he really that bad a King? Well, yes. He really was. In fact he was worse than we thought. Find out just how rubbish a monarch he was as Charlie digs into his hopeless life, together with this episode's proper historian, Professor Nick Vincent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-06-301h 14Willy Willy Harry Stee...Richard IWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick....... In this episode, Charlie Higson explores Richard I, or to give him his popular name Richard The Lionheart.Noble, considerate and fair.....according to Walt Disney, however Charlie digs a little deeper and finds a King of England who, well, wasn't in England very much.With guest proper historian, the excellent Dan Jones, author of The Plantagenets & Essex Dogs to help him, Charlie uncovers the REAL Richard I. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-06-231h 04Willy Willy Harry Stee...Henry IIWilly Willy Harry Stee, Harry......yes, Charlie Higson reaches Monarch number 5 in the shape of Henry II, a man who fought and married his way to the top only for his wife and sons to rebel against him and start a revolt. What would you do? Well in this episode you'll find out exactly what Henry II did and how he did it. Helen Castor, author of 'She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth' is Charlie's guest 'proper' historian.
2023-06-161h 02Willy Willy Harry Stee...Stephen & MatildaThe saga continues as Charlie Higson brings you the story of Stephen & Matilda. When Henry I died, the crown should have fallen to his daughter, the Empress Matilda. BUTStephen of Blois got there first to claim the crown and together with his wife, a different Matilda, Matilda of Boulogne.....it all went horribly wrong as you'll hear. Charlie's proper historian guest is Cath Hanley author of Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-06-0958 minWilly Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Harry what???? Charlie explains....Willy Willy Harry Stee is Charlie Higson's guide to the monarchy, all based on a rhyme he learned at school which, helpfully, gave an easy way to remember the names of every King & Queen of England. Unhelpfully it didn't teach you anything else about them, something this weekly podcast will help rectify.In this first episode, Charlie, who you may know as creator of and actor in The Fast Show and Down The Line, author of the Young Bond and Enemy series and recently the brand new James Bond novel 'On His Majesty's Secret Service' brings...
2023-05-0559 min
Willy Willy Harry Stee...Willy Willy Harry Stee...the trailer.....!This has been in Charlie Higson's head since the 1960's.....Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry Three, One, Two, Three Ned's, Richard Two, Henry Four, Five, Six, then who? Edward Four, Five, Dick the Bad, Harrys twain and Ned, the lad. Mary, Bessie, James the Vain, Charlie, Charlie, James again. William and Mary, Anne o'Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria. Edward, George and Edward Eighth, quickly goes and Abdicates. Then comes Georgy Six and Lizzie Two and Charlie next to see us through!This is the story of every Monarch as told by Charlie...
2023-04-1203 min