Horrible Histories (2009)
← Back to main
Ben Ward — Writer
Episodes 61
Episode 10
HHTV News reports live from the Battle of Thermopylae, Celt housewives find decorative uses for severed heads, and we learn the revolting truth about Roman toilets.
Read MoreEpisode 11
Queen Victoria learns that her British comforts are not very British, a Viking warrior won't stop talking in rhyme, and on 'Axe Factor', the contestants try to become executioners.
Read MoreEpisode 12
A Victorian teacher is confused by her pupils' bizarre names, the Romans run out of animals to execute, and Queen Victoria advertises her exercise DVD.
Read MoreEpisode 13
A lazy aristocrat invents the sandwich, the Romans host their own revolting cookery show and William Shakespeare is haunted by the ghost of King Richard III.
Read MoreEpisode 3
The boys test their horsepower to the max on Stone Age Top Gear; Charles Dickens sings about his life and books; the Greek philosophers host weird dinner parties on Historical Come Dine With Me; and Vlad the Impaler reveals his horrible new plan for keeping out the neighbours.
Read MoreEpisode 4
Featuring the rather eccentric Georgian philosopher Jeremy Bentham; super-rich Roman politician Crassus raps about his blinging lifestyle; some unusual soldiers are recruited into WW2; and Johannes Gutenberg goes head-to-head with some monks on The Historical Apprentice.
Read MoreEpisode 5
Famous monk St Augustine struggles to introduce Christianity to Saxon England; Stuart diarist Samuel Pepys annoys the smartest men in Britain; we witness a daring escape from the Tower of London; and Joan of Arc's story is quite an unusual one for a teenage girl.
Read MoreEpisode 6
Queen Victoria's coronation doesn't go quite as planned, George IV pulls out all the stops to impress his guests on Historical Come Dine With Me, ancient Greek bighead Alexander the Great refuses to stop conquering things, and the HH Sport team report live from the horrible pirate races.
Read MoreEpisode 7
Roman emperor Caesar Augustus reveals the lazy secret of his success, TV's most excitable reporter, Bob Hale, explains the very, very complex history of WW2, we meet Georgian England's most forgetful vicar, and Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr takes on the English in battle.
Read MoreEpisode 8
The surprising identity of Britain's top-scoring footballer is revealed, things get ridiculous on Germany's version of Historical Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, a Celtic farmer isn't terribly keen on plans for Hadrian's Wall, and the brainy pioneers of transportation sing about their inventions.
Read MoreEpisode 9
There is public confusion when King Charles II bans coffee shops, a seasick chicken ruins a Roman sea battle, mighty Egyptian Pharaoh, Ramesses II, meets some smelly peasants on Historical Wife Swap, and a cave-dwelling Stone Age couple try to buy their first house.
Read MoreEpisode 10
A Victorian businessman goes undercover in his own factory, there's a right royal squabble over who should rule medieval England, we meet eccentric Georgian politician Mad Jack Mytton and the Real Tudor Hustle reveals the cleverest con tricks by naughty historical criminals.
Read MoreEpisode 11
DI Bones investigates an unusual Victorian traffic accident, Roman scientist Pliny the Elder suffers a Stupid Death in ancient Pompeii, Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill argue online over what to do about Adolf Hitler, and we discover the horrible history of early Australia.
Read MoreEpisode 12
Featuring a female dinosaur expert who sells seashells down on the seashore, Brian the handsome scientist reveals the weird wonders of the Greek Universe, TV's fastest-talking pensioner, Bob Hale, tries to explain the Space Race between the USA and the USSR, and there's a fitting musical finale to the end of the series.
Read MoreSong Special
Some of history's greatest characters serenade us with tales of their lives. Featuring the all-conquering Alexander the Great, the cash-loving Crassus, the feisty Joan of Arc, the brilliant but miserable Charles Dickens, and the very determined Rosa Parks.
Read MoreMagna Carta Special: Crooked King John and Magna Carta
Horrible Histories returns for a special about King John and Magna Carta, starring Ben Miller. John annoys the Barons and agrees Magna Carta at Runnymede, after a banging rap battle. Meanwhile across the world we meet the formidable Genghis Khan in Mongolia, and catch up with the crafty Saladin during the Crusades. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreAwesome Alfred the Great Special
A special episode about King Alfred the Great, starring Tom Rosenthal. Watch Alfred argue with his older brothers then defeat the Vikings using his cunning hit-and-run tactics, summoning the spirit of Ed Sheeran. Meanwhile, across the world, Ant and Dec host a very special Chinese edition of I'm A Celebrity, and the Egyptians tell us how healthcare should really be done. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreWicked William the Conqueror Special
A special episode about William the Conqueror, starring Kevin Eldon. We meet young William, Duke of Normandy, as he quarrels with Harold Godwinson about who should be King of England, before bashing the English and taking the crown at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066! Meanwhile, across the world we discover Chinese technology light years ahead of the dunderheaded Normans and Saxons in England, and meet one of the world's first scientists in Egypt. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreMardy Mary Queen of Scots Special
A special episode about Mary Queen of Scots, starring Jessica Ransom. This episode follows the young Mary as she stumbles from young girl in Scotland to queen in France, back to queen in Scotland and finally to Elizabeth I's public enemy no 1 - with a bit of Queenian Rhapsody thrown in for good measure! Meanwhile, across the world we meet silver-nosed Danish scientist Tycho Brahe, and Mr H gives us his unique take on the epic Battle of Lepanto in another History's Craziest Fools. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreNaughty Napoleon Special
A special episode about the great French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, starring Jim Howick. We follow Napoleon as he rises from humble beginnings to be the Emperor of France, bashing most of Europe along the way, and ultimately meeting his Waterloo at, well, Waterloo! Meanwhile, across the world we meet the Indian traveller who brought shampoo to the world. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreHorrid Henry VIII Special
A special episode about King Henry VIII, starring Rowan Atkinson. We meet the young Henry as he struggles with his boring dad Henry VII, before becoming king himself and going through wives like most people go through toothbrushes!
Meanwhile, across the world we meet the great Ottoman leader Suleiman the Magnificent in Turkey, and the mad, bad, and very dangerous to know Emperor Zhengde in China. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreCrafty Cleopatra Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show about the great Egyptian queen Cleopatra, starring Kathryn Drysdale. We meet Cleo as she clashes with her brother, seizes power and hooks up with great Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Meanwhile, across the world, we catch up with the thoughts of famous Chinese philosopher Confucius and encounter the less glamorous side of life in Rome. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreGorgeous George III Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show about King George III, starring Simon Farnaby. We follow George from a young unpopular king to a much loved figure some 60 years later, and check out a bit of his court life along the way. Meanwhile across the world we hear about some of the words we have got from India, and the Battles of the Day team give us their unique insight into the American Revolution. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreBolshy Boudica Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show, focusing on the great British Queen Boudica, starring Lorna Watson from Watson & Oliver. We follow Boudica as she turns against her Roman masters and unleashes her wrecking ball on Colchester, St Albans and London. It is cut-throat Celts versus rotten Romans - it's going to be very gory! Meanwhile, across the world, we meet famous emperors Caligula and Nero, dishing out their own unique brand of Imperial nastiness. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreWily Winston Churchill Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show about Winston Churchill, starring Jim Howick. We follow Churchill from a young soldier in India during the time of Queen Victoria, through the First World War, to victory in World War II, and finally to his retirement in the Swinging Sixties - what a journey! Meanwhile across the world we meet the American soldier literally spreading propaganda around the battlefields, and learn about Gandhi's more eccentric side. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreTricky Queen Vicky Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show about Queen Victoria, starring Sarah Hadland. We meet young Vicky as she becomes queen aged only 18, marries her true love Albert, and has to put up with the open sewers at the not-so-luxurious Buckingham Palace. Meanwhile, across the world, we catch up with Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, and discover plans for the Great Hedge of India. Yes, hedge! With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read More'Orrible Oliver Cromwell Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show about Oliver Cromwell. We follow Oliver as he rises from obscurity, challenges King Charles I in the English Civil War, and ultimately orders the King's execution - as he says, a it was a 'cruel necessity'. In other parts of Britain we meet a bunch of oddly named Puritan soldiers, and the great writers Shakespeare and Milton square up for a word battle. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreRotten Rulers Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show featuring all your favourite rotten rulers from the series. Including naughty Napoleon annoying his Josephine and horrid Henry VIII getting married again! There's also a song from wily Winston Churchill and of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreIt's a Wicked World Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show, featuring ghastly Genghis Khan, the wise Confucius and a dance-off during a naval battle! There's also a Bollywood number from Queen Victoria. With Rattus to guide the way.
Read MoreSavage Songs Special
A special episode of the historical sketch show, featuring all your favourite songs from the series! Sing along with King Alfred about his burnt cakes, or with Henry VIII about his love of reformation - or get down Norman-style with William the Conqueror. With of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
Read MoreFormidable Florence Nightingale
There is much more to Florence Nightingale than being 'The Lady with the Lamp'...
Read MoreMonstrous Musicians
Horrible Histories charts monstrous musicians, from Neanderthal screeches to Jimi Hendrix.
Read MoreExceptional Explorers
Meet explorers throughout the ages, from Vikings in America to the first man on the moon.
Read MoreRidiculous Romantics
Take a journey of romance through history, including King Henry VIII's 6 First Dates.
Read MoreAtrocious Artists
From Dali's surrealism to Chris Ofili's elephant poo, Horrible Histories does art history.
Read MoreHeroic Heroes And Villainous Villains
Steve Biceps searches for his top Deadly 60 villains, and Rattus meets his inner demons.
Read MoreIngenious Inventors
From the wheel to WIFI, Horrible Histories takes a look at the world's greatest inventors.
Read MorePreposterous US Presidents
Horrible Histories looks at the 45 US presidents so far, and they are a strange bunch.
Read MoreRuthless Rulers
From Vicious Vikings to 20th Century tyrants, experience history's most ruthless rulers.
Read MoreRevolting Russian Revolutions
Horrible Histories explores Russia's Revolting past in this bumper special episode.
Read MoreHorrid Health
Will drilling a hole in your head really cure a headache? Horrible Histories investigates.
Read MoreDeadly Dynasties
Horrible Histories explores some of the most famous families that have shaped the world.
Read MoreSavage Songs
An episode featuring songs from the series. Join the Horrible Hearts Club Band to sing through music, or go Downtown Threat with Al Capone.
Read MoreAwesome Ancient Civilisations
The team takes a look at many ancient cultures. Sketches: Alex the great finds out about kissing The Romans, Greeks and Chinese face off in a rap battle
Read MoreTerrible Tudors
Go through the history of the Tudor dynasty, through from Henry seven to Elizabeth the 1st. Along the way, also find out about Mary 1, in her vlog.
Read MoreQueen Vic's Home Vids
Featuring Victorian fake news, paparazzi, and cameramen strapped to the front of moving trains, Queen Victoria shows you how her subjects invented and became obsessed with films!
Read MoreFashion Faux Pas
The Horrible History of (sometimes literally) dressing to kill. Henry VIII has beef over whose armour is best and Louis XV dresses as a hedge.
Read MoreChaotic Collabs
History is filled with tales of great minds coming together, and collaborating, to achieve incredible things. It’s also full of idiots working together to create an unholy mess, and people forming partnerships for decidedly sinister reasons - welcome to Horrible Histories’ Chaotic Collabs!
Read MoreMind Your Manners!
Rattus is panicking, as the Rat Queen is visiting the sewer and he has no idea how to behave nicely around royalty! Not only that, if he can somehow appear attractive to the Queen, maybe he could be the next Rat King?! Luckily, help is at hand in the (very well-mannered) shape of First Dates’ Fred Sirieix, a man who knows all about how to behave politely in high society. Fred will guide Rattus through the Horrible History of Manners and Etiquette, in a bid to help him on his quest.
Read MoreFearsome Families
Families - sometimes you love them, sometimes you bicker with them, and sometimes you marry them off to consolidate your power in Europe. Welcome to a look at some of history’s most fearsome families.
Read MoreBizarre Beasts
A look at some of the various ways in which, throughout history, humans have lived with, worked with, and interacted with animals.
Read MoreMoon Mayhem
Comedian and space nerd Dara O Briain joins Rattus as guest host for a special show that marks the anniversary of the 1969 moon landings.
Read MorePutrid Politics
Dani Dyer becomes Rattus’ political advisor as we look at everything from the birth of democracy to Margaret Thatcher having to change her voice so she would be taken more seriously.
Read MoreHeroic Home Front
A look at how World War II played out on the home front, featuring Churchill's secret loo, the heroic 'ATA Girls' and German spies being caught out by their delicious sausages.
Read MoreFierce Females
A celebration of some of history’s greatest females, including Spartan Queen Gorgo terrorising Historical Love Island, supergroup The Tudor Queens and the original Wonder Women.
Read MoreOutrageous Olympics
Alex Scott joins Rattus for a sport-themed special. Mary Queen of Scots goes grief-golfing, the H2 Freestylers take on a whole village, and the sports-mad Henry VIII sings Get Sweaty.
Read MoreHolly H Song Special
Rattus has launched his own radio station (‘BBC Radio Number Two’) and who better to advise him on the songs he should be playing than social media star Holly H? Together, they bring us a collection of some of the best songs of this series, plus new material from some of the famous historical faces we meet along the way.
Read MoreFantastic Firsts Special
A special show featuring some of history’s greatest firsts, including the first ever library, Olympic Games, people on the moon and rat roller-skating on TV!
Read MoreBeastly Bodily Functions Special
Doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken join Rattus for a selection of old and new sketches relating to bodies.
Read MoreMayflower Malarkey
The Puritans set sail, Queen Elizabeth I loses a colony, and the Founding Fathers sing!
Read More