Willy Willy Harry Stee...

Willy 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 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.

Imagine 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. Hit Follow of Subscribe so you don't miss every episode of this thrilling adventure through England's rulers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Hawes, a bestselling author known for 'The Shortest History of England', dives into the rivalry among the Norman dynasty. He connects William II's tumultuous reign to modern issues like Brexit, exploring how sibling tensions shaped English politics. The conversation also touches on the mysterious circumstances surrounding William’s death and its implications for future rulers. Plus, Hawes shares insights on the art of storytelling, bridging crime fiction and history, and reflects on England’s evolving identity since the Norman Conquest.

Judith Green, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, dives into the tumultuous era of William the Conqueror. She reveals why William was dubbed 'the Bastard' and discusses his claim to the English throne amidst fierce competition. The transformation of English society under Norman rule is explored, with a focus on power dynamics, class divisions, and the introduction of castles. Green also touches on the lasting legacy of this period, shaping the future of England and beyond.

Marc Morris, a historian specialized in the Anglo-Saxon period and author of 'The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England,' dives into the fascinating life of King Alfred. The conversation covers the power struggles of pre-Norman England, the impact of Viking invasions, and how identity transformed after the Norman Conquest. Morris challenges the notion of 'Great' regarding Alfred while exploring the rich tapestry of Anglo-Saxon culture through poetry, chronicles, and early English political dynamics.

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 us part one of the backstory to the very first monarch, William The 1st or William The Conqueror as he's better known.To help make sense of this Charlie invited his friend Tom Holland who you may know from the top rated podcast The Rest Is History.So, settle down and enjoy 4000 years of history in one convenient podcast! Brilliant! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Higson and some of his very clever historian friends. Launches May 5th. Just before Charles the Third is crowned. Total co-incidence. Honest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.