List of Horrible Histories (2009 TV series) episodes
Horrible Histories is a children's live-action historical and musical sketch-comedy TV series based on the book series of the same name written by Terry Deary. The show ran for five series of thirteen episodes each (plus seven full-length one-off specials), between 2009 and 2013.
Series producer was Caroline Norris. Series 1 was directed by Chloe Thomas and Steve Connelly, with all future series directed by Connelly and Dominic Brigstocke. Writers are listed as per credits of each episode. Original music was—except where noted—written by Richie Webb (music) and Dave Cohen (lyrics), with instrumentals by Webb. The songs were not given formal titles; where possible their creators' names for them have been used.[1]
The starring troop over all five series consisted of Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond and Sarah Hadland, some combination of whom appear, with very rare exceptions, in every live-action sketch; their voices can also be heard in the animated sketches. Supporting cast was headed by Alice Lowe, Lawry Lewin and Dominique Moore.
Notable guest stars are indicated in the episode in which they appear, or in the case of recurring roles, on first appearance. Several sketches incorporate parodies of other UK pop-culture media and/or personalities; these parody inspirations are likewise indicated on first appearance.
In 2015, the series returned with a new cast in a revised format. Episodes centred around the life of one prominent historical figure played by an established comedy actor. It was in 2016 that a seventh series began with just three specials before the full series in 2017. The three specials marked anniversaries through the year: 400 years since Shakespeare died, the BBCs 'Love to Read' campaign and 350 years since the Great Fire of London. There was a slight change in cast where the main stars Jalaal Hartley, Tom Stourton and Jessica Ransom continued with new members. This was the first series where none of the main original cast were present.
Overview
Series | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
First aired | Last aired | |||
1 | 13 | 16 April 2009 | 9 July 2009 | |
2 | 13 | 31 May 2010 | 27 July 2010 | |
3 | 13 | 30 May 2011 | 26 July 2011 | |
4 | 13 | 9 April 2012 | 4 June 2012 | |
5 | 13 | 27 May 2013 | 23 July 2013 | |
Specials | 9 | 17 December 2010 | 4 August 2014 |
Series 1: 2009
Episode | Title | Written by | Original airdate | |
---|---|---|---|---|
101 | "Series 1, Episode 1" | Unknown | 16 April 2009 | |
Song: Rotten Romans: The pre-gladiatorial custom of staging fights at funerals. Imagine spot: High school for aspiring gladiators. Frightful First World War: Lice wars (partly animated). "Ready Steady Feast": German wartime food substitutes (parody of Ready Steady Cook). Putrid Pirates: The Black Spot. Captain Black Bart lists off his rules to the new recruits. Savage Stone Age: Stone Age Tool Set (advertisement). The (not-so-)carefully reconstructed funeral of a tribal chief. Vicious Vikings: Video game: Warrior! Viking vs Monk. "Historical hairdressers" Ear spoons. Gorgeous Georgians: Special guest Meera Syal is the storyteller of Twisted Fairytales: "The Three Little Pigs" (window tax). How to vote in Georgian elections. | ||||
102 | "Series 1, Episode 2" | Mark Blakewill, Lucy Clarke, James Harris, George Poles, Steve Punt, George Sawyer and Ben Ward | 23 April 2009 | |
Song: Henry VIII : Divorced Beheaded & Died". Lyrics by Terry Deary. Performed by Ben Willbond.Sketches: Measly Middle Ages: Shouty Man: New! Pee-sil Non-Bio Laundry Detergent (two parts, parody of This Is Your Life ). | ||||
103 | "Series 1, Episode 3" | Mark Blakewill, James Harris, Jon Holmes, Steve Punt, Ben Ward and Arnold Widdowson | 30 April 2009 | |
Song: Wicked Witches: Let a random old lady take the blame for your bad luck with Witchfinder's Direct (infomercial). Twisted Fairytales: "The Frog Prince" (witchcraft). The Middle Ages (Witch)Craft Show demonstrates how accusations can also be used to get revenge. Vicious Vikings: Top Three Weird Viking Beliefs: the origin of the first man and woman, who holds the sky up and the story of Wife Swap ). | ||||
104 | "Series 1, Episode 4" | Dave Cohen, Greg Jenner, Jon Holmes, Steve Punt and Ben Ward | 7 May 2009 | |
Song: Smashing Saxons: "Saxon EastEnders" finds a ruler trying to mediate a family feud via the new Elizabeth I 's habit of nicknaming her courtiers. Oh Yea! Magazine: Execution Special. | ||||
105 | "Series 1, Episode 5" | Mark Blakewill, James Harris, Jon Holmes, George Poles, Steve Punt and Arnold Widdowson | 14 May 2009 | |
Song: Awful Egyptians: Pharaoh Phashion magazine offers beauty tips for peasants and aristocrats (advertisement). Mouse Fresh Max toothpaste (advertisement). Ruthless Rulers: Louis XI and the Pig Piano, with special guest Ethelred the Unready determines a horse thief's guilt via ordeal by cake . Twisted Fairytales: "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" (Saxon punishments).Gorgeous Georgians: Join the Georgian Navy! (advertisement). "Historical Hospital": 'Master of medicaments' Montague Fuzzlepeck diagnoses a patient. | ||||
106 | "Series 1, Episode 6" | Greg Jenner, Simon Littlefield, Laurence Rickard, George Sawyer and Ben Ward | 21 May 2009 | |
Song: Measly Middle Ages: A hapless thief tries to mug a the Onager (animated). and his attempt at filicide.Frightful First World War: Twisted Fairytales: "The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe" (urinating on boots to soften the leather). A soldier's frantic hunt for his lucky charms might prove lucky itself. Groovy Greeks: Chat show "Greek Myth Talk" tells the lurid story of Kronos | ||||
107 | "Series 1, Episode 7" | Toby Davies, Susie Donkin, Jon Holmes, Chris Pell and Ben Ward | 28 May 2009 | |
Song: Measly Middle Ages: "I'm a Knight" (Monty Python pastiche). Performed by Mathew Baynton, Steve Punt and Jim Howick. Terrible Tudors: Oh Yea! Magazine: Royal Special. "Historical Hospital": Treating a blister rapidly turns fatal. Groovy Greeks: The story of Trojan horse past the guards--apparently, much simpler than you'd think. of 1858.Measly Middle Ages: "That Was Entertainment!": Jousting on ice and other peculiar past-time fun. Woeful Second World War: Twisted Fairytales: "Cinderella" (rationing clothes). Fake nylon stockings made with gravy and eye-liner (advertisement). Awful Egyptians: Imagine spot: Selling pyramid real estate. Meet the Egyptian gods (animated). Vile Victorians: Imagine spot: A little girl must wash in dirty water. Parliamentarians try to find a solution to--or at least, a way to ignore--the Great Stink | ||||
108 | "Series 1, Episode 8" | Lucy Clarke, Dave Cohen, Susie Donkin, Jon Holmes, Greg Jenner, Simon Littlefield, George Poles, Steve Punt and Ben Ward | 4 June 2009 | |
Song: Vicious Vikings: Stupid Deaths: , and more importantly how to find the loopholes. | ||||
109 | "Series 1, Episode 9" | Dave Cohen, Jon Holmes, Steve Punt and Ben Ward | 11 June 2009 | |
Song Terrible Tudors: Weather forecast. Twisted Fairytales: "Thumbelina" (dirty streets) Vile Victorians: Shouty Man: New! Victorian Child Chimney Cleaner. An inspector gets a rundown from strict teachers on school punishments. Rotten Romans: Make all your wishes come true (sort of) with Roman Gods Direct. A general tries desperately to appease all the right gods prior to battle. Vicious Vikings: Words We Get From the: Vikings. Debunking the myth of horned helmets (animated). Groovy Greeks: "Historical Wife Swap": Effete Athenians vs. legendarily tough Spartans. Slimy Stuarts: HHTV News: Mike Peabody reports on efforts to cope with the Great Plague of London. Ye Sun newspaper: Plague Special.(Parody of The Sun newspaper.) "Ready Steady Feast": How to start the Great Fire of London. | ||||
110 | "Series 1, Episode 10" | Susie Donkin, Steve Punt, Mark Shillabeer, Ben Ward and Arnold Widdowson | 18 June 2009 | |
Song Rotten Romans: Sponge on a Stick and Viper Deodorant (advertisements). Vile Victorians: An upper-class couple are conned by a thief using street slang. Great Victorian Inventions: The Car (animated). .Terrible Tudors: "Ready Steady Feast": Comparing the diets of rich and poor. "Historical Hairdressers": The latest skin treatments. Cut-Throat Celts: Home decorating with severed heads. Video game: Warrior! Romans vs Celts. Measly Middle Ages: Twisted Fairytales: "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" (plague spreading). Ruthless Rulers: "This Is Your Reign": Napoleon Bonaparte is reunited with his rather unexpectedly accented family. Groovy Greeks: Spartan warriors suit up at the weapons store pre-battle. HHTV News: Mike Peabody live from the Battle of Thermopylae | ||||
111 | "Series 1, Episode 11" | Dave Cohen, Jon Holmes, George Poles, Steve Punt & Ben Ward | 25 June 2009 | |
Song Terrible Tudors: Oh Yea! magazine: Royal Special. Imagine spot: Choosing the next royal executioner on "The Axe Factor" (parody of Hundred Years' War etc. "Ready Steady Feast": Live from the Siege of Orléans . | ||||
112 | "Series 1, Episode 12" | Dave Cohen, George Sawyer, Jon Holmes and Ben Ward | 2 July 2009 | |
Song Flanders & Swann pastiche). Performed by Mathew Baynton and Jim Howick. (Two parts.)Sketches: Smashing Saxons: Mealtime charades in a monastery take an unexpected turn. The Monk Art Show: How to write like a monk--if you can survive the ink-making process. Vile Victorians: Schoolchildren have some very unusual names. Queen Victoria pitches her workout regime. Rotten Romans: The gladiator games run out of animals at the worst possible moment. Checking in with Execution Animals "Я" Us. Measly Middle Ages: Twisted Fairytales: "The Ugly Duckling" (swan hunting). The Earl of Warwick checks on preparations for his dinner party. Groovy Greeks: The first play in history. Stupid Deaths: Aeschylus. Woeful Second World War: A prim couple must choose from a difficult set of inner-city evacuee children. Joining the Hitler Youth--or else. Top Three Strangest Hitler Survival Rumours (animated). | ||||
113 | "Series 1, Episode 13" | Dave Cohen, Jon Holmes and Ben Ward | 9 July 2009 | |
Song Burke & Hare ". Performed by Mathew Baynton with Jim Howick and Simon Farnaby.Sketches: Rotten Romans: A Roman chef is disgusted with the state of newly conquered Britain's cuisine on "Roman Kitchen Nightmares" ( Cleopatra's tangled family tree. The story of Hatshepsut, first female pharaoh. . HHTV Sport: Lice racing.Terrible Tudors: The tumultuous history of the Globe Theatre (animated). The ghost of Richard III challenges William Shakespeare over the historical accuracy of the play based on the King's life. Vicious Vikings: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Viking Report. King Alfred is a Saxon king who fight the Vikings in the 800s. The city of Swansea is a city of the sea named after the Viking (Danish) king Swayne. Stupid Deaths: Sigurd the Mighty. Gorgeous Georgians:John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, "invents" the sandwich |
Series 2: 2010
Episode. | Title | Written by | Original airdate | |
---|---|---|---|---|
201 | "Series 2, Episode 1" | Mathew Baynton, Gerard Foster, Jon Holmes, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard | 31 May 2010 | |
Song: power ballad parody). Lyrics by Mathew Baynton and Laurence Rickard. Performed by Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard.Sketches: Rotten Romans: "Roman Come Dine with Me": Emperor Mastermind). . Video game: Operation Defend Britain. The Durham Home Guard branch do more damage to themselves than to the enemy.Incredible Incas: Shouty Man: New! Multi-Purpose Incan Hole. Incan Sham-pee (advertisement). Vile Victorians: The invention of badminton. Meet the many eccentric pets of Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild (animated). Stupid Deaths: Bobby Leach. Slimy Stuarts: The story of the Gunpowder Plot as action movie "Fawkes' 13" (movie trailer). Charles I's unusual punishments for government critics. Woeful Second World War: PM Winston Churchill discusses arming the British Home Guard Vicious Vikings: Attempting to navigate by following (but not necessarily feeding) a raven. All the Come Dine with Me sketches have commentary by Dave Lamb, from the Channel 4 series. | ||||
202 | "Series 2, Episode 2" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Greggory Jenner, Oriane Messina, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash, Joe Tucker and Raphael Warner | 1 June 2010 | |
Song: rap music parody, feat. My Name Is by Eminem ). Performed by Mathew Baynton with Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard and Lawry Lewin.Sketches: Putrid Pirates: Captain Basil Hood quickly regrets stealing a herd of seasick cows. "Historical Hospital": The ship's carpenter steps in to perform an amputation. Woeful Second World War: World War II Art Show: Magician Oracle of Delphi predicts Aeschylus' death. revolutionises boxing. Parents tour a boarding school during a violent pupil rebellion.Slimy Stuarts: Oliver Cromwell bans Christmas celebrations--among many other things. Awful Egyptians: Historical Desktops: Cleopatra courts Mark Antony via social network. Gorgeous Georgians: HHTV Sport: Ex-slave Bill Richmond | ||||
203 | "Series 2, Episode 3" | Lucy Clarke, Dave Cohen, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Fay Rusling | 2 June 2010 | |
Song: Rotten Romans: Christians compete to avoid Roman persecution on "I'm a Christian, Get Me out of Here!" (parody of Will Somers is the only man who can safely break the news of Queen Catherine Howard's infidelities to Henry VIII. Stupid Deaths: Tudor entertainer. .Savage Stone Age: Preparing for a hunting trip. The Caveman Workout, the low-tech way to get in shape (advertisement). Awesome USA: The invention of the telegraph means bad news for Pony Express riders. PR agent Cliff Whiteley gives advice to Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid | ||||
204 | "Series 2, Episode 4" | Mathew Baynton, Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Ben Ward and Ben Willbond | 3 June 2010 | |
Song: Gorgeous Georgians: Legendary Siege of Troy--Paris vs Achilles. Dodgy War Machines No. 14: Elephant warfare (animated). late into the night, much to the dismay of his secretary and a general.Woeful Second World War: Winston Churchill plans D-Day | ||||
205 | "Series 2, Episode 5" | Mark Blakewill, James Harris, Oriane Messina, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash | 4 June 2010 | |
Song: George IV: Couldn't Stand My Wife" (pop ballad parody). Lyrics by Laurence Rickard. Performed by Jim Howick with Lawry Lewin.Sketches: Putrid Pirates: A new recruit is baffled by what his Captain considers treasure. Historical Shopping Channel: Pirate Hour. Incredible Incas: CD set: "Live like an Incan" (advertisement). An Incan child gets some offbeat birthday presents. Awful Egyptians: Video game: The Real Tomb Raider. Scary Stories: "The Curse of Tutankhamun". Gorgeous Georgians: Prince Regent George IV has an unexpectedly good reaction to some bad news--not so much to the news that his corset's no longer working. Measly Middle Ages: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Crusades Report. Old Crone: don't leave for the Crusades without one (advertisement). Awesome USA: Agent Moses helps smuggle plantation slaves past their master to freedom. Rotten Romans: Door-to-door dung salesman. How to behave at a Roman dinner party (parody of an educational film). | ||||
206 | "Series 2, Episode 6" | Lucy Clarke, Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Jon Holmes, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow and Laurence Rickard | 8 June 2010 | |
Song: Gilbert & Sullivan parody). Performed by Jim Howick with Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond and Mathew Baynton.Sketches: Gorgeous Georgians: Mad Clement Vallandingham. Dodgy War Tactics No. 23: Battle of the Crater (animated). . Schoolchildren forced to learn by rote turn the tables on their teacher.Savage Stone Age: Trepanadol, the surefire headache cure. European and Peruvian tribes compete on "Stone Age Family Fortunes" (parody of Family Fortunes). Vile Victorians: Cliff Whiteley advises Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole | ||||
207 | "Series 2, Episode 7" | Dave Cohen, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, Fay Rusling | 15 June 2010 | |
Song: Measly Middle Ages: A marauding knight can't get into a lord's castle, so attacks the lord's serfs instead. Imagine spot: Peasant Dragon's Den). .Smashing Saxons: Words We Get From the: Saxons. New! Saxon Sign of the Cross (advertisement). Two peasants discuss ergotism in-between the wild flailing. Slimy Stuarts: HHTV News: Civil War. Bob Hale gives the Civil War Report, while Mike Peabody reports live from the Battle of Marston Moor Cut-Throat Celts: Dodgy War Inventions No. 79: Romans try using stilts to cross marshland (animated). "Historical Wife Swap": An upscale Roman couple moves into newly conquered Britain and swaps with a traditional Celtic family. | ||||
208 | "Series 2, Episode 8" | Mathew Baynton, Dave Cohen, Toby Davies & Chris Pell, Jon Holmes, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, George Sawyer, Mark Shillabeer and Ben Willbond | 22 June 2010 | |
Song: Vicious Vikings: An attempt at fearsome war paint. The attack on Crimewatch UK ). | ||||
209 | "Series 2, Episode 9" | Mathew Baynton, Gerard Foster, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, Mark Shillabeer, Colin Swash and Ben Willbond | 29 June 2010 | |
Song: Slimy Stuarts: The introduction of a novel new drink called 'tea'. "Historical Hospital": A physician tries a cure involving pigeons. Vicious Vikings: HHTV Sport: The rules of a family feud, including when to bring out the Mayta, Cápac, Roca, Yahua, Viracocha (name of an Incan god), Pachacuti, and Tupac. In 1493, Huayna goes up to conquer Ecuador. punishment system. A little girl debates attending school with her parents in "Victorian EastEnders".Vile Victorians: Welsh schoolchildren are forbidden to speak their native language under the Welsh Not Awesome USA: New! Multi-purpose bandanna (advertisement). | ||||
210 | "Series 2, Episode 10" | Mathew Baynton, Dave Cohen, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, Ben Ward and Ben Willbond | 6 July 2010 | |
Song: Boudicca" (alternative rock parody). Performed by Martha Howe-Douglas with Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard.Sketches: Measly Middle Ages: The News at 1066 provides updates from the Norman Conquest via Bayeux Tapestry. Trubador Bertran de Born releases "Now That's What I Call Miserable!: Vol. 3" to mixed reviews including Simon Cowell's (a call back to the animated pig piano sketch in Series 1). Vile Victorians: All a seventh child wants for his birthday is a name in "Victorian EastEnders". Shouty Man: New! Victorian Maid. Scary Stories: "The Freaks". Cut-Throat Celts: "Historical Fashion Fix": A warrior gets an unusual pre-battle makeover. Slimy Stuarts: King Charles I's French bride is less than pleased to learn he's sent a stand-in groom. A Scots congregation needs some serious persuasion to accept the new English prayer books. Gorgeous Georgians: HHTV Sport: Play-by-play of a pinching match. A fresh army recruit gets a rude surprise on reporting for duty. Awful Egyptians: Cleopatra's beauty regime. "Historical Hospital": Dr Isis prescribes some surprisingly effective treatments. | ||||
211 | "Series 2, Episode 11" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Jon Holmes, Greg Jenner, Caroline Norris, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash, Ben Ward | 13 July 2010 | |
Song: Rotten Romans: Caligula recoups by attacking the sea after forgetting to tell the army about his planned British invasion. Life as a legionary. Measly Middle Ages: The plague forecast. Scots warriors don't notice the glaring flaw in their plan to invade plague-weakened England until it's too late. An English groom encounters some awkward marriage traditions in "My Big Fat (Medieval Scottish) Wedding" (parody of My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Awful Egyptians: "Ready Steady Feast": Comparing the diets of a peasant and pyramid builder. Pyramid Weekly magazine offers a stone-of-the-month scheme (advertisement). Awesome USA: Dodgy War Inventions No. 21: the first ironclad ship (animated). General Stonewall Jackson shows off his narcolepsy and (many) other eccentricities. Groovy Greeks: Spartan High's parent/teacher night. Stupid Deaths: Draco. Terrible Tudors: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Catholic Report. King Henry VIII plays tennis while his Queen Anne Boleyn is executed. | ||||
212 | "Series 2, Episode 12" | Mathew Baynton, Susie Donkin, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, George Sawyer, Joe Tucker, Raphael Warner and Ben Willbond | 20 July 2010 | |
Song: novelty dance songs ). Lyrics by Laurence Rickard. Performed by Mathew Baynton with Martha Howe-Douglas, Alice Lowe and Laurence Rickard.Sketches: Savage Stone Age: "DI Bones: Historical Crime Squad": The case of the caveman's death. Caveman Art Show: Cave wall painting. Woeful Second World War: Codebreakers are just a little too clever for their own good. Agent Sophie shows off spy gadgets to a French Resistance contact. Rotten Romans: An Andabatae gladiator needs encouragement before heading into the arena. Stupid Deaths: Diodorus the hunchback. Smashing Saxons: Bag-O-Swallow-Chick Stomach Stones: works great against headaches, not so much against Vikings (advertisement). The Saxon Helmet Company offers a sympathy refund on a (badly) failed lucky helmet. Words We Get From the: Saxons. Terrible Tudors: "Horrible Histories World Wrestling": Francis I of France defeats Henry VIII by tripping him up. Historical Desktops: Henry VIII surfs dating services and winds up starting the English Reformation online. Incredible Incas: Francisco Pizarro's "Very Rough Guide" to Peru. | ||||
213 | "Savage Songs Special" | Mathew Baynton, Dave Cohen, Laurence Rickard | 27 July 2010 | |
Savage Songs: A chronological compilation of standout music videos from the second series, as chosen by the producers--including a special encore from the first series. "Spartan School Musical" (from S02E03), "Boudicca" (S02E10), "Literally (The Viking Song)" (S02E01), "Do the Pachacuti" (S02E12), "Charles II: King of Bling" (S02E02), "Blackbeard's Song" (S02E06),"George IV: Couldn't Stand My Wife" (S02E05), "Real Live Cowboys" (S02E09), "Victorian Inventions" (S02E07), "We're the World War II Girls" (S02E04). Encore: "The 4 Georges: Born 2 Rule" (S01E01). |
Series 3: 2011
Episode | Title | Written by | Original air date | |
---|---|---|---|---|
301 | "Series 3, Episode 1" | Dave Cohen, Rosanna Lowe, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash and Ben Ward | 30 May 2011 | |
Song: Rotten Romans: A general will go to any lengths to qualify for the Masterchef). Howler monkeys realise why they're a favourite hunting target (animated). car insurance adverts).Gorgeous Georgians: Pay your way to luxury in Newgate Prison (parody of Premier Inn advertisements). Vicious Vikings: Words We Get From the: Vikings. The "Historical Paramedics" try using runic symbols to treat a cycling injury. Vile Victorians: A picnicking couple have a less-than-polite debate over etiquette. Another couple work out their differences via floral messaging system. Frightful First World War: The less-than-encouraging results of the Somme campaign. Fabulous Fat King's Fat Factory, for all your (surprisingly extensive) wartime fat needs (parody of Sheilas' Wheels | ||||
302 | "Series 3, Episode 2" | Dave Cohen, Susie Donkin, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 31 May 2011 | |
Song: Nasty Knights: A raiding party can either overcome a series of incredibly dangerous obstacles to get into a castle--or they can do it the hard way. The siege forecast. Slimy Stuarts: Whale phlegm is on the menu on "Historical Masterchef". A dinner party is made awkward by Walter Raleigh's severed head. Groovy Greeks: Stupid Deaths: A Greek boxer is killed by the statue of Theagenes of Thasos. Words We Get From the: Greeks. Gorgeous Georgians: Historical Pet Shop: Smuggling lace in a goose's crop. Inventor John Joseph Merlin belatedly discovers a few key design flaws while filming an advertisement for the first practical roller skates. Smashing Saxons: HHTV News: Mike Peabody live from the Battle of Maldon. Monk Magazine: All the "modern" monk needs to know. Vile Victorians: Opening the first public toilet in more ways than one. The strange story behind the establishment of Alfred Nobel's Peace Prize. | ||||
303 | "Series 3, Episode 3" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, George Sawyer and Ben Ward | 1 June 2011 | |
Song: Frightful First World War: A naive young recruit tries to learn the ropes. Shouty Man: New! WWI Wee-Wee, the multi-purpose liquid revolution. Smashing Saxons: The host of "Invasion, Invasion, Invasion" inadvertently helps Hengist and Horsa steal Kent from Vortigern (parody of Location, Location, Location). Slimy Stuarts: Scary Stories: "Evil Edmund". The "Historical Paramedics" try treating a fainting victim with a live sheep and heavy stones. Measly Middle Ages: Stupid Deaths: James II of Scotland. Terrible Tudors: The story of Lady Jane Grey, queen for nine days. The invention of the English mile. Fabulous French: HHTV News: Bob Hale's French Revolution Report. Mike Peabody reports live from Fishguard where the French army face an unlikely foe. | ||||
304 | "Series 3, Episode 4" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash and Ben Ward | 2 June 2011 | |
Song: Slimy Stuarts: Eccentric highwayman Who Do You Think You Are? ). | ||||
305 | "Series 3, Episode 5" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash and Ben Ward | 3 June 2011 | |
Song: Measly Middle Ages: Griffith Ap Llewelyn. Report.Rotten Romans: "Historical Hospital": A Roman physician prescribes gladiator's blood as a tonic. Shouty Man: New! Criminal's Head. Fabulous French: "Historical Wife Swap": Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette swap with a distinctly unimpressed starving peasant family. Frightful First World War: A new British arrival to the trenches struggles to locate a familiar accent amid the Commonwealth forces. Ladies' tights help Scots soldiers keep warm and safe in the trenches (advertisement). Terrible Tudors: Elizabeth I's Christmas present turns out to be a timekeeping revolution (from the Christmas Special). Special footwear helped women keep dry in muddy streets--but looking where they were going helped even more (animated). "Historical Fashion Fix": The latest peasant to have a makeover is unappreciative of his noble transformation. Awful Egyptians: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Tutankhamun | ||||
306 | "Series 3, Episode 6" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 7 June 2011 | |
Song: pop ballad parody). Performed by Jim Howick.Sketches: Terrible Tudors: Henry VIII unveils his patented all-you-can-meat Tudor diet plan. The "Historical Paramedics" try treating an asthma victim with buttered spiders. Cut-Throat Celts: "Horrible Points of View": Taking questions and comments--also severed heads--from the era's viewer mailbag. Historical Pet Shop: Odd superstitions surrounding dogs. Measly Middle Ages: HHTV News: Bob Hale's War of the Roses Report. Angry Aztecs: "Aztec Come Dine With Me": The annual days of maize and beans have a rather anti-social side effect. Savage Stone Age: A man tries to convince his skeptical hunter friend that settling down on a farm is the wave of the future. Shouty Man: New! Multi-Purpose String. Gorgeous Georgians: The controversial final moments of Admiral Nelson, and then the unusual preservation method used on his body. Stupid Deaths: Countess of Coventry. | ||||
307 | "Series 3, Episode 7" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Colin Swash | 14 June 2011 | |
Song: Awful Egyptians: A tomb builder tries to convince a pharaoh that protecting his treasure is more important than a magnificent monument. Shouty Man: Ushabti Coffin Dolls. Gorgeous Georgians: George I's English isn't any better than Robert Walpole's German, which poses a serious problem re: running the country--or does it? HHTV Sport: Twisting the hindquarters off a dead cow at the Highland Games. Slimy Stuarts: "Horrible Points of View": Taking questions and comments on that new theatrical phenomenon, "actresses". Stupid Deaths: Molière. Vicious Vikings: "Historical Wife Swap": A well-to-do warrior family swaps with their slave thralls. Awesome USA: HHTV News: Bob Hale's American Report. Paul Revere's All-American Toothpaste (advertisement). Rotten Romans: A newly recovered Caligula demands that those who offered their lives to the gods in exchange for his must now pay up. | ||||
308 | "Series 3, Episode 8" | Dave Cohen, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Joe Tucker, Ben Ward and Raphael Warner | 21 June 2011 | |
Song: synthpop parody). Performed by Martha Howe-Douglas and Alice Lowe with Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard.Sketches: Measly Middle Ages: historical epic movie trailer parody). Words We Get From the: Saxons. ). Historical Desktops: Ethelred the Unready suffers cyberbullying at the hands of Viking raiders.Terrible Tudors: Historical Head Teachers: Mr. Bullen demands that a student start his schoolday at 4:30 am. HHTV Sport: Horse racing with King Henry VIII--and child jockeys. Vicious Vikings: "Winter Cooking with the Hairy Vikings" always involves a bit of walrus (parody of the Hairy Bikers | ||||
309 | "Series 3, Episode 9" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash and Ben Ward | 28 June 2011 | |
Song: Vicious Vikings: A literate monk convinces marauding raiders to spare him so he can record their badassery for all time. Other monastic captives are on sale at the "new market town of pre-decimal British coinage. A nobleman inadvertently runs afoul of Elizabeth I's peculiar clothing laws. service, the classical equivalent of text messaging. A nervous smuggler runs into an unexpected obstacle in trying to run weapons past the gates of Rome.Angry Aztecs: "Aztec Gardeners' World" discusses fertilizing fields with human blood. Enjoy hours of family fun with Aztec Whodunnit-o (parody of Cluedo). Frightful First World War: A general arrives to inspect the troops and discovers just how hard up both sides are for new recruits. Video Game: Splat That Rat! Rotten Romans: Tabellarii messenger Measly Middle Ages: "Medieval Come Dine with Me": When dying of the plague was the ultimate social faux pas. | ||||
310 | "Series 3, Episode 10" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Jon Holmes, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Ben Ward and Ben Willbond | 5 July 2011 | |
Song: Cool" from West Side Story ). Performed by Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Lawry Lewin and Ben Willbond with Laurence Rickard and Simon Farnaby.Sketches: Frightful First World War: Trying--and failing--to keep warm in the trenches in wintertime. Wartime improvisation is the order of the day on "Historical Masterchef". Smashing Saxons: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Anglo-Saxon Report. The tumultuous love story of William the Conqueror and Hello! Magazine). The conquering barbarian hordes find deciding where exactly to begin sacking Rome isn't as simple as it seems. is willing to go to any lengths to further his anatomical research.Slimy Stuarts: William Harvey | ||||
311 | "Series 3, Episode 11" | Dave Cohen, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Ben Ward | 12 July 2011 | |
Song: Terrible Tudors: The not-quite-love story of Rupert of the Rhine wants a dog that does a very specific set of tricks. A young man plans a less-than-romantic elopement on "Historical Don't Tell the Bride" (parody of Don't Tell the Bride ). | ||||
312 | "Series 3, Episode 12" | Gerard Foster, Rosanna Lowe, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Fay Rusling, Ben Ward | 19 July 2011 | |
Song: hip-hop parody, loosely parodying "Jump Around" by House of Pain incorporating beatboxing ). Performed by Mathew Baynton and Jim Howick with Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard.Sketches: Measly Middle Ages: A peasant tries to leverage his rare and desirable plague-free status into a pay rise. The people of Strasbourg catch literal dance fever in 1518. Groovy Greeks: Historical Pet Shop: Zeno of Elea requires subjects for some odd thought experiments. HHTV Festival News: Presenter Fearne Polyester participates in the all-female Thesmophoria (parody of Fearne Cotton). HHTV Sport: Crowning the winner at the Isthmian Games. Cut-Throat Celts: An Irish king's attempt to ban all rhyme turns out to not be very well-thought-through. Savage Stone Age: Comparisons between Stonehenge and the pyramids are eye-opening (animated). Cliff Whiteley discusses the many theories re: Stonehenge with one of its builders. Angry Aztecs: Hi-Tec All-in-One Cactus multipurpose tool and Chuckle Resin chewing gum (advertisements). Slimy Stuarts: "Horrible Points of View": Another look at Stuart-era entertainment, e.g. executions. Thomas Blood is brought before Charles II, who winds up being unexpectedly impressed - and entertained. | ||||
313 | "Savage Songs Special" | Dave Cohen and Ben Ward | 26 July 2011 | |
Savage Songs: Chronological compilation of the standout music videos from the third series, as chosen by the producers. An encore is omitted this year to make room for the slightly longer "Monarchs' Song". "The Ages of Stone" (from S03E010), "Ra Ra Cleopatra" (S03E05), "Celtic Boast Battle" (S03E12), "William Wallace: Scottish Rebel" (S03E03), Discaztec (Ain't Staying Alive)" (S03E09), "The Truth About Richard III" (S03E06), "Dick Turpin, Highwayman" (S03E01), "Work, Terrible Work!" (S03E04), "The Suffragettes' Song" (S03E08) and "The Monarchs' Song (The English Kings and Queens)" (S03E02). |
Series 4: 2012
Episode | Title | Written by | Original air date | |
---|---|---|---|---|
401 | "Series 4, Episode 1" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Joe Tucker and Ben Ward | 9 April 2012 | |
Song: RAF Pilots)" (Take That parody). Performed by Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond, Simon Farnaby and Laurence Rickard.Sketches: Slimy Stuarts: A clergyman makes an unusual patriotic request of his female parishioners. Oliver Cromwell requests that Orange mobile reminder advertisements, starring special guests Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton of the League of Gentlemen). .Terrible Tudors: Vengeful Philip II of Spain tries - and fails - repeatedly to launch "The Spanish Armada" against Britain (movie trailer) part 1. Stupid Deaths: Archery accidents. The Spanish Armada (movie trailer) part 2. Awful Egyptians: A "hot scientist" extols the "Wonders of the Egyptian Universe" (parody of Brian Cox's Wonders of the Universe). Video game: Duat! Egyptian Book of the Dead. Gorgeous Georgians: The perils of for-profit fire brigades. The toilet queues in Queen Caroline of Ansbach's court are less than dignified. Savage Stone Age: World of Stone: for all your (surprisingly extensive) stone furniture needs (advertisement). HHTV Early News: Eager customers queue up for the opening of the Bronze Age (parody of a modern technology product launch). Woeful Second World War: German fighter pilots use tourist guides to find high-profile targets during the Baedeker Blitz | ||||
402 | "Series 4, Episode 2" | Dave Cohen, Ali Crockatt, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, David Scott, George Sawyer and Ben Ward | 10 April 2012 | |
Song: Vile Victorians: Victoria and his appearance on "Cash in the Abbey" (parody of Cash in the Attic). Protestants and Catholics alike are up for a rousing game of Hide and Priest (advertisement). Special - Superstars of the Stuart Stage! An ambassador learns the hard way just how literally Charles II dines in public.Savage Stone Age: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Human Evolution Report. Putrid Pirates: "Historical Apprentice": Team Pirate and Team Merchant vie to move cargo overseas (featuring special guest Chris Addison). Woeful Second World War: An attempt to foil German railway spies creates unexpected problems for the British passengers. Finding unique ways to cope with petrol rationing (animated). Slimy Stuarts: Oh Yea! Magazine: Nell Gwynn | ||||
403 | "Series 4, Episode 3" | Dave Cohen, Ali Crockatt, Charlie Martin, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, David Scott, Joe Tucker, Ben Ward and Raphael Warner | 11 April 2012 | |
Song: Measly Middle Ages: Would-be Crusader a climactic scene by the seashore . | ||||
404 | "Series 4, Episode 4" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, Colin Swash and Ben Ward | 12 April 2012 | |
Song: Groovy Greeks: Spartans have the battle phalanx down to an art - until the warrior on the end notices a problem. "Pausanias: A True Story" tells the full story of the General's badly thought-through betrayal (movie trailer). Measly Middle Ages: HHTV News: Mike Peabody live from the D-Day. Dodgy War Machines No. 81: Poor toilet planning on the U-Boat (animated). and Team Homo Sapiens vie to demonstrate who's more advanced.Savage Stone Age: "Historical Apprentice": Team Neanderthal Vile Victorians: A less-than-ethical ice cream salesman. "DI Bones: Historical Crime Squad": The case of the dodgy slum diet. | ||||
405 | "Series 4, Episode 5" | Dave Cohen, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt and Laurence Rickard | 13 April 2012 | |
Song: Savage Stone Age: A chef from town planners must explain to skeptical would-be residents why a town is needed in the first place. is a complete and unmitigated disaster.Wild Warriors: Hannibal and his Carthaginian ruthless battle tactics star in the blockbusters "Snakes on a Ship" and its sequel, "Elephants on a Plain" (both parodies of Snakes on a Plane). Radical Renaissance: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Renaissance Report. Mona Lisa grows impatient with Leonardo da Vinci's inability to finish anything, including her portrait. Awful Egyptians: Egyptian Make Show: The mummification process. Kids can practice embalming their own dead body with Mummification (parody of Operation). Terrible Tudors: William Shakespeare is called out by a tavern drunk and ends up in a battle of insults. Oh Yea! Magazine: Elizabeth I's formidable temper. Vile Victorians: Lord Raglan explains his plan to ensure the Charge of the Light Brigade | ||||
406 | "Series 4, Episode 6" | Dave Cohen, Ali Crockatt, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, David Scott and Ben Ward | 20 April 2012 | |
Song: easy-listening romantic duets). Performed by Martha Howe-Douglas and Jim Howick.Sketches: Potty Pioneers: The Great Exhibition . | ||||
407 | "Series 4, Episode 7" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 27 April 2012 | |
Song: Sleeping on the Sidewalk" by Queen ). Performed by Ben Willbond, Mathew Baynton and Martha Howe-Douglas.Sketches: Gorgeous Georgians: "Le Survival Guide" gives tips on (literally) staying cool in the French army during Napoleon's march on Moscow. HHTV Sport: Napoleon's famed strategic gifts are no match for the mechanical chess-playing Praetorian guard is much better at saluting than they are protecting Emperors - and they aren't very good at saluting. Shouty Man: New! Always-Current Emperor Statue. 's execution. Stupid Deaths: Richard the Raker.Shocking Scotland: Historical Dates: James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran, seeks a groom for his cousin, the infant Mary, Queen of Scots (played by Mathew Baynton's young son). Woeful Second World War: MI5 is willing to recruit literally anyone to help the war effort, including a dead tramp. A Berlin housewife demonstrates some truly outlandish wartime substitutes on "Historical Masterchef". Measly Middle Ages: A snowball fight interrupts the Earl of Lancaster | ||||
408 | "Series 4, Episode 8" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Katherine Jakeways, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 4 May 2012 | |
Song: Vicious Vikings: A "gorgeous scientist" extols the "Wonders of the Viking Universe". Historical Dates: A Nordic warrior outlines his courting and marriage requirements. Rotten Romans: Nero provides typically disastrous disaster relief to the victims of the Mellified Man: a mummy in honey that's yummy! (advertisement). .Gorgeous Georgians: "Historical Apprentice": Viscount "Turnip" Townshend (special guest Chris Addison) and his Team Whig vie with peasant Team Go Wurzel to negotiate the agricultural revolution. Groovy Greeks: Interpreting messages from the gods. Shouty Man: New! Ancient Greek Tattoo Messenger. Terrible Tudors: The "Historical Dentist" suggests some genuinely disgusting painkillers. HHTV Behind the Throne: Interview with Sir Thomas Heneage, Henry VIII's Groom of the Stool | ||||
409 | "Series 4, Episode 9" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 11 May 2012 | |
Song: Addams Family Theme "). Performed by Jim Howick, Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, and Ben Willbond.Sketches: Measly Middle Ages: Asclepeion doctor-priests - dedicated healers or daring frauds? | ||||
410 | "Series 4, Episode 10" | Dave Cohen, Ali Crockatt, Gerard Foster, Katherine Jakeways, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, David Scott and Ben Ward | 18 May 2012 | |
Song: Measly Middle Ages: HHTV News: Mike Peabody live from the last Saxon stronghold on the Barnaby Fitzpatrick , faces the wrath of the royal tutors. | ||||
411 | "Series 4, Episode 11" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Charlie Martin, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Joe Tucker and Ben Ward | 25 May 2012 | |
Song: Slimy Stuarts: Charles II tries to mediate between Royal Astronomer King John's concern for his social media status leads him to accidentally sign Magna Carta. Jocelin had e-mailed him the document.Awful Egyptians: The "Historical Dentist" diagnoses "mouth-worms" as the cause of a patient's toothache. The results of New! Egyptian 2000 hair dye are best appreciated from a distance (advertisement). Vile Victorians: A suitor's efforts to warn his beloved's father of a fire are hampered by its very impolite location. House-hunting in the slums. | ||||
412 | "Series 4, Episode 12" | Dave Cohen, Rosanna Lowe, Charlie Martin, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 1 June 2012 | |
Song: John Barnes's rap from World in Motion ). Written by Greg Jenner and Giles Pilbrow. Performed by Jim Howick, Mathew Baynton, Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard and Simon Farnaby.Sketches: Vile Victorians: It's always a one-way ticket for the coffins transported on the Gordian knot .Gorgeous Georgians: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Napoleon Report. | ||||
413 | "Savage Songs Special" | Dave Cohen, Caroline Norris, Giles Pillbrow | 4 June 2012 | |
Savage Songs: Chronological compilation of standout music videos from the fourth series as chosen by the producers. One song is omitted in order to include longer inset skits, featuring puppet host Rattus Rattus babysitting his young nephew. "The Thinkers" (from S04E03), "Mary I" (S04E10), "William Shakespeare" (S04E11), "The New World (Pilgrim Fathers)" (S04E04), "Luddites!" (S04E08), "Victoria & Albert: A Love Ballad" (S04E06), "Mary Seacole" (S04E05), "Charles Darwin: Natural Selection" (S04E02) and "The Few (RAF Pilots)" (S04E01). |
Series 5: 2013
Episode | Title | Written by | Original air date | |
---|---|---|---|---|
501 | "Series 5, Episode 1" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 27 May 2013 | |
Song: Respect" by Aretha Franklin ). Performed by Dominique Moore with Gospel Singers Incognito.Sketches: Smashing Saxons: The Only Way is Essex). The Beach Watch tries to remain modest and do their jobs at the same time. ).Troublesome 20th Century: Neil Armstrong pitches his Apollo 11 Weight Loss Programme (advertisement). Measly Middle Ages: A vow of love means a knight must head into battle with a serious handicap. Richard the Lionheart can barely wait for his coronation to be over before heading off to the Crusades. Gorgeous Georgians: Hostile Environment Training: Escorting an unpopular nobleman through the streets of London. Jonathan Wild, Thief-Taker General, hits upon a novel method of keeping himself employed (parody of Sherlock | ||||
502 | "Series 5, Episode 2" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 28 May 2013 | |
Song: Slimy Stuarts: Highwayman Claude Duval unexpectedly charms his victims. Woeful Second World War: Dodgy War Inventions No. 92: Bat bombs. The Allied cover story to hide their new radar tracking systems translates to an unusual new diet for German pilots. Groovy Greeks: CD set: "Now That's What I Call Greek Battle Music!" (advertisement). A bride must transform herself into not only her warrior groom's dream but his double in "Don't Tell the Spartan Bride". Troublesome 20th Century: The officers of the RMS Titanic run through a highly dubious safety measures check. Stupid Deaths: Arthur John Priest. Vicious Vikings: The traditional warrior method of settling a dispute: peaceful negotiation. Terrible Tudors: Time to get ready for the Religious Switchover (parody of the Digital Switchover). Botched executions are caught on the candid cameras of "Thou Hast Been Framed!" (parody of You've Been Framed!). Gorgeous Georgians: HH Movie Pitch: Mary Shelley tries for a Frankenstein reboot in which the monster is correctly named... Adam? Brooding Lord Byron is forced to disillusion a breathless groupie in "Twit Light" (parody of the Twilight movie series). | ||||
503 | "Series 5, Episode 3" | Chris Chantler, Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Howard Read, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 29 May 2013 | |
Song: Awful Egyptians: The Persian army comes up with an inspired - and very cute - variant on a human shield at the Battle of Pelusium. I Love Cats magazine: Everything the ancient cat-lover needs to know. .Shocking Scotland: While on the run, Bonnie Prince Charlie gets some gender-bending assistance from a resourceful peasant woman. HH Movie Pitch: Robert the Bruce tries to avoid starring in "Spider-Guy II". Savage Stone Age: Invention no. 28: Wearing clothes. Testing a radical new innovation in horse riding on "Historical Top Gear" (parody of Top Gear). Vile Victorians: Victorian Word Battles: Charles Dickens vs. Lewis Carroll over their quixotic contributions to the English language. Groovy Greeks: "Greek Come Dine With Me": Great classical thinkers approach dinner with varying degrees of philosophy. Terrible Tudors: Francis Walsingham's postal service advert with bloopers. HHTV News: Bob Hale's Mary, Queen of Scots Report; the Ridolfi plot and Babington Plots fail. Ruthless Rulers: "Gross Designs": Vlad the Impaler takes landscaping to deliberately insane extremes (parody of Grand Designs). Stupid Deaths: Ivan the Terrible | ||||
504 | "Series 5, Episode 4" | Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 30 May 2013 | |
Song: Slimy Stuarts: Dominic Duckworth: HHTV Investigates: Charles II's supposed Corporal Wojtek (animated). discovers a unique peril of pre-Internet celebrity. HHTV Sport: Live - if disbelieving - with Emma Sharp, the woman who walked a thousand miles in as many hours.Vicious Vikings: I Can't Believe You Fed Me Seal Blubber! (parody of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! advertisements). Erik the Red makes a commercial (and gets frostbite) in an attempt to lure settlers to the "sun-drenched paradise" of Greenland (parody of Iceland advertisements). Rotten Romans: "Thou Hast Been Framed!" features the best of royal bloopers. Gorgeous Georgians: A noble patron is bewildered by a visit to Jeremy Bentham's office. Words We Get From: Jeremy Bentham. Stupid Deaths: Madame Blanchard. Measly Middle Ages: Keeping up with tumultuous medieval times just got easier thanks to Anglo-Saxon Chronicle magazine (newsmagazine parody). "Historical Apprentice": Team Johannes Gutenberg and Team Monk vie to demonstrate the most efficient printing technology. Vile Victorians: Grace Darling | ||||
505 | "Series 5, Episode 5" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 31 May 2013 | |
Song: Smashing Saxons: A "surprisingly handsome" scientist extols the "Wonders of the Saxon Universe"; people in Kwik-fit advertisements) . introduces Joan of Arc to his openly skeptical army.Groovy Greeks: For Spartans, identifying cowardice in battle was simple - or was it? Spartan Girl dolls come with some offbeat accessories (advertisement). Gorgeous Georgians: "History's Greatest Escapes": The wife of the Earl of Nithsdale has a daring plan to break him out of the Tower of London. Terrible Tudors: Tudor Wildlife Magazine: Henry VIII discusses his conservation schemes - specifically, conserving farmland by placing bounties indiscriminately on the wildlife. Stupid Deaths: Hans Staininger. Fabulous French: The Dauphin of France | ||||
506 | "Series 5, Episode 6" | Dave Cohen, Ali Crockatt, Gerard Foster, Oriane Messina, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, David Scott and Ben Ward | 4 June 2013 | |
Song: Vile Victorians: Queen Victoria's solemn coronation hits some less-than-dignified snags. Prince Albert's moustaches are ridiculous - until they become the fashion (featuring special guest Sake Dean Mahomed includes a trip to the first curry house in London. ).Groovy Greeks: Alexander the Great's Conquest of Greece board game comes with mandatory multiple expansion packs. Potty Pioneers: The "Historical Grimefighters" are there to witness - if not be impressed by - medical history in the making at Alexander Fleming's laboratory. HH Movie Pitch: Ernest Shackleton tries to pitch a thrilling adventure story about not actually reaching the South Pole. Savage Stone Age: CD set: "Now That's What Me Call Music!" - featuring the first-ever musical notes played on the first-ever instrument (advertisement). "Historical Springwatch": Exploring the hidden lives of Pleistocene wildlife, if they aren't eaten by cavemen first (parody of Springwatch Putrid Pirates: A nobleman needs pirate slang translated. HHTV Sport: Live from the Pirate Races, riding on captured monks. | ||||
507 | "Series 5, Episode 7" | Lucy Clarke, Dave Cohen, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 11 June 2013 | |
Song: Prince parody). Performed by Jim Howick with Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby and Ben Willbond.Sketches: Rotten Romans: Army officers might just be underestimating the possibility of a barbarian ambush in the Teutoburg Forest. An Emperor becomes a legend in "Augustus: the Movie" - with some not-so-incidental help from the guy who actually did all the work (movie trailer). Terrible Tudors: "Who on Earth Are You?": Attempting to establish a plausible royal pedigree for Lambert Simnel, pretender to the throne of Henry VII. Henry VIII shows off the Tudor King Lift. Woeful Second World War: HHTV News: Bob Hale's World War II Report. Gorgeous Georgians: The odd antics of absentminded Reverend Harvest. Some equally offbeat celebrities are featured on "Georgian Showbiz News". Awful Egyptians: A cure for baldness might be more trouble than it's worth. A lavish makeup kit turns out to be Only For Men (advertisement). Measly Middle Ages: "Gross Designs": Edward I plans a massive extension in Wales. | ||||
508 | "Series 5, Episode 8" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 18 June 2013 | |
Song: Terrible Tudors: Wer wird Millionär?). Gals' Magazine: Yankee Crazy! Comparing the (very) average British squaddie with a shiny-new American GI. . HH Movie Pitch: Can Julius Caesar's unconventional rise to power really earn him the first movie deal?Rotten Romans: A farmer protests against the building of the Hadrian's Wall | ||||
509 | "Series 5, Episode 9" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Greg Jenner, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 25 June 2013 | |
Song: Slimy Stuarts: Plague victim finder recruitment comes with some built-in occupational hazards. Charles II's attempt to discourage anti-government plotters leads to some difficulty in securing a hot beverage. Rotten Romans: A "handsome scientist" extols the "Wonders of the Roman Universe". The William Henry Fox Talbot shares his tips for a great photo, including neck irons; post-mortem photography, the latest craze in remembering the dead. ).Savage Stone Age: Words We Get From the: Stone Age. A cave couple are hopeful of a more permanent home in "A Historical Place in the Sun" (parody of A Place in the Sun | ||||
510 | "Series 5, Episode 10" | Chris Chantler, Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Rosanna Lowe, Charlie Martin, Howard Read, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 2 July 2013 | |
Song: Rotten Romans: Shouty Man: New! Roman Baths. Stupid Deaths: Emperor Domitian. Vile Victorians: The mill owner Titus Salt investigates the horrific plight of his own workers and comes to some surprising conclusions on "Victorian Undercover Proprietor" (parody of Undercover Boss). Measly Middle Ages: Soldiers are less than impressed to learn they're fighting the War of the Bucket. Gorgeous Georgians: "Historical Apprentice": James Watt and Team (Spinning) Jenny vie to produce textiles. "Mad Jack" Mytton's wildly unconventional election campaign. Troublesome 20th Century: HHTV News: Live from a schoolboy strike in Llanelli. Suffragettes find a surefire way to reach the powerful. Terrible Tudors: "Real Tudor Hustle": Market day scams exploit the greedy and gullible. A forehead brand for perjury proves hard to explain during a job interview. | ||||
511 | "Series 5, Episode 11" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Howard Read, Laurence Rickard, Joe Tucker and Ben Ward | 9 July 2013 | |
Song: Vile Victorians: "DI Bones: Historical Crime Squad": The case of the baffling Apprentice": Team Maximus and Team Minimus vie to create and exploit a celebrity gladiator. ) wasn't as pleasant as it sounds. The fad for French words causes confusion at a dinner party.Gorgeous Georgians: Arthur Phillip awaits supply replenishments. Salvation is close at hand for the beleaguered settlers of Port Jackson--or is it? Woeful Second World War: Historical Desktops: Neville Chamberlain gauges the reaction to his new European peace settlement. Winston Churchill, Britain's Wittiest Man, releases his first comedy special on DVD. Measly Middle Ages: Great Historical Country Walks: The 'harrowing of the countryside' (Harrying of the North | ||||
512 | "Series 5, Episode 12" | Dave Cohen, Chris Chantler, Gerard Foster, Giles Pilbrow, Howard Read, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 16 July 2013 | |
Song: charity single parody)". Performed by Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond, Sarah Hadland, Lawry Lewin, Dominique Moore, Alice Lowe and Giles Terera .Sketches: Vile Victorians: Good Day Magazine: Profiling eccentric "Little Giant" Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his many massive engineering projects. Meanwhile, Mary Anning finds much more than seashells by the seashore. Groovy Greeks: Words We Get From the: Greeks. A surprisingly modest - but still slightly mad - scientist extols the "Wonders of the Greek Universe". Awful Egyptians: HH Movie Pitch: Rameses II tries to make his case as the other iconic Ancient Egyptian ruler. A prospective labourer is dismayed to discover it wasn't all about building majestic monuments. Troublesome 20th Century: HHTV News: Bob Hale's Space Race Report. Measly Middle Ages: "Making It in the Middle Ages" takes a look at the wannabe cool science of alchemy featuring Bernard de Treviso. Stupid Deaths: John of Bohemia. Woeful Second World War: The war effort cuts into pool time at the Carlton Ladies Club (animated). Expert landscaper Alan Smallbog attempts to demonstrate some further wartime sacrifices on "Homefront Gardening" (parody of Alan Titchmarsh). | ||||
513 | "Series 5, Episode 13" | Dave Cohen, Caroline Norris, Ben Ward | 23 July 2013 | |
Savage Songs: Chronological compilation of standout music videos from the fifth series as chosen by the producers. One song is omitted to make room for the longer finale song. "Alexander the Great" (from S05E06), "Crassus: Minted" (S05E04), "Vikings and Garfunkel" (S05E02), "Joan of Arc" (S05E05), "Henry VII: The Original Tu-Tu-Tudor" (S05E09), "Transportation" (S05E08), "Charles Dickens" (S05E03), "Rosa Parks: I Sat on a Bus" (S05E01), "We're History (The Finale)" (S05E12). |
Specials
Title | Written by | Original air date | |
---|---|---|---|
"Horrible Christmas" | Lucy Clarke, Gerard Foster, Jon Holmes, Giles Pilbrow and Laurence Rickard | 17 December 2010 | |
Songs: O Christmas Tree " parody)Sketches: Measly Middle Ages: Henry II's unique jester, Roland the Farter, and his tradition of breaking wind on Christmas Day. Carol song. Scary Stories: "The Night Before Childermass" (a poem). HHTV News: William the Conqueror's Christmas Crowning Riot. Smashing Saxons: A group of peasants are delighted to receive useful gifts of various types of animal dung (from S01E08). Carol song. Terrible Tudors: Mr. Tudor advertises his Exceedingly Nice Mince Pies (parody of Royal Christmas Message for 1666. of 1914.Vile Victorians: A prison Christmas. Carol song. Odd Christmas cards. Frightful First World War: HHTV Sport: Opposing sides play a friendly game of football during the Christmas truce | |||
" The Horrible Histories Big Prom Party " | Dave Cohen, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard and Ben Ward | 30 July 2011 9 September 2011 – TV | – Radio|
Music from Horrible Histories was the theme of the 2011 free BBC children's Prom, held at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert was hosted by Rattus Rattus the puppet rat and featured the starring cast of the TV show performing a selection of songs from the first three series, interspersed with classical pieces from the same historical eras performed by the Aurora Orchestra. On hand to assist were the Choir from the Music Centre and the Kids Company Choir. The subsequent hourlong BBC television special features all the songs but one (an extended reprise of "The Plague Song"), excerpts from the classical pieces and original linking sketches set in-and-around the concert hall. Program: Overture: Mike Peabody reports from outside the Hall. Arrival of Queen Victoria, Charles II, and Rattus Rattus. Excerpt from Also sprach Zarathustra .
"Horrible Histories Theme Tune", performed by the combined choirs. 4'33". . Rattus Rattus checks in.
"Born 2 Rule". George III and George IV uneasily share a dressing room. Excerpt from Liszt's Danse Macabre. Queen Victoria takes her seat. "The Truth About Richard III". William Shakespeare comments from backstage. Excerpt from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. Rattus Rattus checks in from a box seat. Queen Victoria is offered a selection of odd historical snacks. "The Wives of Henry VIII: Divorced Beheaded Died". Charles II interrupts a mock-execution set to Berlioz's March to the Scaffold. "Charles II: King of Bling". George III and George IV look over the rest of the program in their dressing room. Excerpt from Handel's Royal Fireworks Music Interval: Mike Peabody meets an Early Man who's late arriving for the concert. Shouty Man promotes the "brand-new" Royal Albert Hall. Queen Victoria, Charles II, George III, and George IV queue impatiently for the royal toilets, behind Henry VIII and his Groom of the Stool. Mozart and Beethoven have a heated onstage debate over the title of Greatest Composer Who Ever Lived. Overture from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Rattus Rattus checks in. "George IV: Couldn't Stand My Wife". Excerpt from Mendelssohn's "Wedding March". William Shakespeare and the Early Man find themselves together in a box. Mike Peabody with a breaking exclusive: Queen Victoria is unable to perform; another legendary Queen has stepped in at the last minute. "Ra Ra Cleopatra". William Shakespeare and the Early Man discuss language and literature with great pretentiousness and a club, respectively. "The Ages of Stone". The Vikings invade the stage to Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries". "Literally (The Viking Song)". The entire cast joins the choirs onstage for the "Horrible Histories Theme Tune (Close)". | |||
"Sport Relief 2012" | Unknown | 23 March 2012 | |
Amir Khan takes on various historical boxers and Jermain Defoe meets a Tudor football team. Meanwhile, Bob Hale gives the Sport Relief Report. | |||
"The Diamond Jubilee sketches" | Unknown | 3 June 2012 | |
During the BBC live coverage of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Bob Hale presented the Thames Report from Tower Bridge. Two more sketches - involving Charles II, Richard III, Queen Victoria, and a HHTV News correspondent - were scheduled but eventually cancelled due to time constraints, although the first two characters did appear briefly with a BBC reporter in a "what's upcoming" promo. Series producer Caroline Norris later confirmed the unaired material would never be subsequently filmed, since it was especially written for the occasion.[3] | |||
"Blue Peter's Big Olympic Tour" | Unknown | 16 June 2012 | |
Episode 4 of Blue Peter's Big Olympic Tour featured a new Horrible Histories music video, "Flame (It's Gonna Burn Forever)", which tells the origin and history of the Olympic Games. Parody of "Theme from Fame". Performed by Laurence Rickard, Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond and Giles Terera. | |||
"Sport Special" | Dave Cohen, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Mark Shillabeer, Colin Swash and Ben Ward | 20 July 2012 | |
In honour of the 2012 London Olympic Games , the show presents a compilation of sport-themed sketches both old and new, with linking segments featuring Giles Terera's HHTV Sport presenter and Rattus Rattus. Includes a reprise of the Olympic song, "Flame (It's Gonna Burn Forever)".
Sketches:HHTV Sport: Live from the Fred Lorz, and twins Sergio and Fika Motsoeneng.[4] is forced to admit his idea for a modern Games revival wasn't exactly original.Barmy Boxing: Stupid Deaths: Unnamed contemporary of famous Greek boxer Theagenes of Thasos beats his rival's statue until it topples over onto him (S03E02). Ex-slave Bill Richmond revolutionises Georgian boxing with one simple innovation (S02E02). Shocking Scotland: HHTV Sport: Live with the winner of the "twist a hindquarter off a dead cow" event at the new Highland Games (S03E07). Foul Football: Two Three Five magazine: Profiling Victorian-era Sheffield United celebrity goalkeeper William "Fatty" Foulke. HHTV Sport: Live during a rare moment of players not trying to kill each other in a Tudor-era inter-village football match (S02E08). Rotten Romans: The origin of the gladiatorial games involved staging fights to the death at funerals (S01E01). Video game: Scorpus Chariot Racer (S04E08). Outlandish Olympics: HH Movie Pitch: The Baron de Coubertin HHTV Sport: Live as the (severely disappointed) winner of the Ancient Greek Isthmian Games is crowned with celery (S03E12). | |||
"Scary Special" | Mathew Baynton, Dave Cohen, Toby Davies, Gerard Foster, Chris Pell, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond | 29 October 2012 | |
To celebrate Halloween, Death, host of "Stupid Deaths", uses spooky songs and sketches from past Horrible Histories episodes to illustrate a list of his "Top 12 Scary Things", interspersed with new linking segments from his mum's chintz-intensive home in the suburbs. No. 12: Witches. Wicked Witches: Witchfinder's Direct infomercial (from S01E03). No. 11: Aliens. Measly Middle Ages: Scary Stories: "The Children of Woolpit" (S02E03). No. 10: More Witches. Terrible Tudors: Witches as pets (previously unaired sketch). No. 9: Rotten Romans: Emperor Nero's complicated love life features in "Love You To Death" (spoof of romantic comedy trailers, from S02E03). No. 8: Deaths. Measly Middle Ages: Stupid Deaths: Henry I is made fatally ill by a meal of eels (S03E08). No. 7: Vicious Vikings: Exploring ways to intimidate with war paint (S02E08). No. 6: Horror. Woeful Second World War: A city child is evacuated to what he thinks is a den of monsters in "The Farm" (spoof of horror movie trailers, from S02E09). No. 5: Angry Aztecs: "Discaztec (Ain't Staying Alive)" (music video from S03E09, here sped up slightly to fit). No. 4: Georgian Art. Fabulous French: "Madame Tussaud's Make Show", featuring freshly guillotined models (S03E08). No. 3: Putrid Pirates: "Historical Hospital": The pirate doctor is actually the ship's carpenter, and he's about to perform an amputation (S02E02). No. 2: Executions. Gorgeous Georgians: HHTV News: Live report from the public hanging of anti-hero Jack Sheppard (S02E04). No. 1: Death himself. "Death's Favourite Things", parody of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music feat. "Thriller"-style zombie chorus (new song, written by Greg Jenner and performed by Simon Farnaby). | |||
"Ridiculous Romance" | Dave Cohen, Rosanna Lowe, Giles Pilbrow, Laurence Rickard, Joe Tucker, Ben Ward, Raphael Warner | 14 February 2014 | |
It's Valentine's Day, Horrible Histories-style... meaning the course of true love is about guaranteed not to run smoothly. Rattus Rattus presents a mix of old and new sketches and songs on the theme, in-between preparations for his own (hopefully) romantic dinner with new love Ratalie (continued in sequel "Ridiculous Romantics", S07E03, 2017). Song: Terrible Tudors: "Dating in Darkness": Henry VIII doesn't realise that he's been deceived by Dating in the Dark ). Elizabeth I's temper tantrum over another portrait may help explain why she never married (from S02E01).Measly Middle Ages: William the Conqueror skips the charm and cuts straight to the shoving in "Mud and Matilda" (spoof of romantic comedy movie trailers, from S03E11). My Middle Ages Wedding Magazine: All the tips you need to make your Dark Ages day special, including how to make sure the thrown cakes are nice and soft. Rotten Romans: Historical Desktops: Mark Antony inadvertently demonstrates the (extreme) dangers of online dating when he accepts a friend request from Cleopatra (S02E02). Emperor Nero's similarly complicated love life features in "Love You To Death" (spoof of romantic comedy trailers, from S02E03). Gorgeous Georgians: "History's Greatest Escapes": The Countess of Nithsdale demonstrates her devotion to her husband by breaking him out of the Tower of London (S05E05). Vile Victorians: A picnicking couple have a lover's spat over the lady's strict insistence on etiquette, while another negotiates a messy break-up via floral messaging system (both S03E01). "Victoria & Albert: A Love Ballad" (music video, from S04E06). | |||
"Frightful First World War Special" | Dave Cohen, Gerard Foster, Caroline Norris, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt, Laurence Rickard, Ben Ward | 4 August 2014 | |
On the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the original Great War, Bob Hale and Rattus Rattus host a chronological look at some of the more strange, sad, and outright Horrible aspects of the conflict. 1914: Outlining the causes of the war as simply as possible - that is, not very (from S01E08). A naive young recruit to the trenches tries to learn the ropes (from S03E03). The dos and don'ts of keeping the war effort going strong at home, including a ban on feeding ducks ( Big Brother ). Scenes from the poignantly pointless chaos in the trenches, in the few minutes between learning of the 11 November truce and its actual implementation. "The Suffragettes' Song" (music video, from S03E08). |
See also
References
- ^ "Richie Webb's sounds on SoundCloud". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "We Buy Any Car® TV Commercials - as Seen on TV!".
- ^ Parker, Robin (11 June 2012). "Horrible Histories Jubilee sketches will never be aired". Broadcastnow.co.uk. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
- ^ "South African athlete, Sergio Motsoeneng, admits to cheating in Comrades Marathon". South Africa History Online. sahistory.org. Retrieved 3 January 2014.