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Charlie Higson's History of the Monarchy. In each new weekly episode, Charlie and his friendly experts....(ie REAL historians)...learn all about one of our Kings or Queens and ask searching questions like: Were they any good?What did they actually do?Why did so many die from an exploding stomach? It's the story of families at war....literally! New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Higson


    • Jun 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 52m AVG DURATION
    • 135 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Willy Willy Harry Stee...

    Margaret Beaufort

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 50:54


    In this episode, Charlie Higson shines a light on the life of Margaret Beaufort, a really extraordinary woman who was a major figure in the Wars Of The Roses of the late 15th century, and mother of Henry VII the first Tudor monarch.But she was so much more than that, and became instrumental in orchestrating the rise to power of the Tudor dynasty. To help Charlie tell her incredible story, he welcomes Amy Licence back to the podcast. Amy has written extensively about this period, including the book "Tudor roses – from Margaret Beaufort to Elizabeth I." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jasper Tudor - The Good Duke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 54:13


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

    George, Drowned in Wine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 59:20


    In this episode, Charlie Higson is heading into the barrel. No, not to scrape the bottom of it, but to talk about George Duke of Clarence. If you know anything about him, the one fact is probably that he was famously drowned on the orders of his own brother in a barrel of Malmsy wine. But why? Well that is the question Charlie is going to be answering in this episode and to help him, he welcomes back Matt Lewis, presenter and writer for the History Hit channel. Matt is fascinated by the medieval period, with a particular interest in the Wars of the Roses and Richard III and has written many books based around that period. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Cecily Neville

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 56:32


    In this episode, Charlie Higson delves into the life of a fascinating woman, Cecily Neville, daughter of Ralph Neville, wife of Richard, Duke Of York.As a Neville, she was a member of one of the most powerful families in the Kingdom and she had an extraordinary life. The youngest of her father's 22 children, she went on to have 12 children of her own, two of whom became King of England.Helping us understand Cecily's place in The Wars Of The Roses, Charlie welcomes back Lacey Bonar Hull. Doctor of Medieval & Tudor History and ahistorian & author based in Ohio, USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Margaret Of Anjou

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 54:16


    As Charlie Higson continues his canter through history, he lands on Margaret Of Anjou, the powerful French woman who fought so hard for her husband, Henry VI when his rule was challenged in the Wars of the roses, and was called by Shakespeare "The She Wolf of France", in Henry VI part III. As ever though, historical research tells a different story of a woman who was a better leader than many of her male contemporaries, as explained in this episode by Amy Licence, author of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou: A Marriage of Unequals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    William Caxton

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 54:28


    Whan that aprill with his shoures sooteThe droghte of march hath perced to the roote,And bathed every veyne in swich licourOf which vertu engendred is the flour;These lines, although difficult to understand, are from a key work in English literature. They have endured today, in part, thanks to a man called William Caxton, who chose a book called 'The Canterbury Tales' as the first book to be printed in England. In this episode, Charlie Higson looks at the life and work of William Caxton - the founder of printing in England with his introduction of the printing press, the incredible invention that changed history in so many ways.By homogenising regional dialects he changed the English language forever. His story affects us all.To help Charlie cross the T's and dot the I's on Caxton's life, he is joined by Dr Kat Marchant, Postdoctoral researcher in early modern literature and culture and content creator for the Reading the Past YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Mayflower Monarchists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 46:31


    In this brand new episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson takes in the historical view from across the pond. What do Americans think of English history and how much do they know about it?Are they really obsessed with the Royal Family? And Henry VIII? is the UK's thirst for history echoed over the Atlantic?To help Charlie get some insight into the American historical mindset, he's joined by Lacey Bonar Hull, Doctor of Medieval & Tudor History, based in Ohio but educating people right across the USA, and engaging with people around the world through social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    John of Lancaster

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 50:03


    Henry V wasn't on the throne that long, BUT his big military gains in the Hundred Years War against France helped England position itself as one of the strongest military powers in Europe.So why would we be interested in his little brother, John?Well, quite simply, Henry V couldn't have achieved all he did without him! Supremely loyal, a great administrator and soldier, Henry relied heavily on his bro, John of Lancaster, Duke Of Bedford.To help Charlie Higson understand more about this man of many talents, he is joined by Joanna Arman, author of Henry V's Brother - John of Lancaster, Regent of France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Saint Scholastica's Day Riots

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 33:04


    When you think of Oxford University, what springs to mind. A serious yet peaceful seat of learning, full of people in robes with nothing more on their minds than the study of Latin or Theology.Certainly not a place of murder, of people being thrown into wells or drowned in privies!??!?Well, that's just what Charlie Higson thought of it too, until that is, he studied the life of John Wycliffe in a previous episode, because that's when he discovered the Saint Scholastica's Day Riots.On the 10th February 1355 there was indeed a mass riot in Oxford which led to three days of rioting in which 63 students and about 30 townspeople were killed!Charlie welcomes Professor Rory Cox back to talk about this amazing incident which put Oxford on the murder map over 600 years before Inspector Morse came along. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Shameless Plug!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 16:35


    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 podcast and now has spawned an epically short book, complete with illustrations by Jim Moir. Buy it here. You know you want to....... https://www.waterstones.com/book/willie-willie-harry-stee/charlie-higson/jim-moir/9780008741051 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Legacy Of Edward III

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 61:05


    We're still in the 14th century and in this episode, Charlie Higson is looking at the confusion that ensued after Edward III basically had too many sons. His success in the bedroom created a tangled web of family intrigue, thwarted ambition and bitter rivalry that led to Richard II's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, kicking him off the throne and taking over. Assisting Charlie through this quagmire of power and revenge is Helen Castor, author of The Eagle & The Hart : The Tragedy Of Richard II and Henry IV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    John Wycliffe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 62:01


    As Charlie Higson guides us through some of the fascinating folk who litter English history, he lands upon John Wycliffe, an academic, a philosopher, a priest, a preacher and a religious reformer who lived during the reigns of Edward III and Richard II. A passionate reformer, he was behind the first translation of the bible to into English – creating the so called Wycliffe bible - one that didn't require a knowledge of Latin to read and understand. In fact, you could even argue that Wycliffe's ideas fed into the beginnings of socialism in the UK and the foundation of the welfare state. Helping Charlie understand the man, he welcomes back Rory Cox, author of John Wycliffe on War & Peace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Geoffrey Chaucer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 76:55


    As he continues his romp through English history, in this episode Charlie Higson looks at the life and work of Geoffrey Chaucer.A key figure in English social history and the history of English writing, Chaucer's greatest work is The Canterbury Tales, considered to be one of the pillars of English literature.Charlie and his guest help us understand.......in some cases literally....Chaucer's work and life, and that guest is Marion Turner - J.R.R. Tolkien Professor of English Literature and Language at the University of Oxford and Chair of the English Faculty Board. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Early English Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 68:49


    In this episode, Charlie Higson looks at the development of English music - what we know about its early history and the way the sound and styles developed from the kind of monastic chanting in unison you get in Monty Python through the introduction of polyphony and harmony, to the wonders of Thomas Tallis, the first great English composer Assisting Charlie on his musical odyssey is Robert Hollingworth, conductor, composer, broadcaster and leader of musical group I Fagiolini who uses music to demonstrate the changing sounds of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Isabella Of France

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 50:53


    In this episode, Charlie Higson delves into the life of a 12 year old girl bride, who went on to rule England. Isabella of France led an invasion that ultimately resulted in the deposition of her King and husband, Edward II, in January 1327.Isabella is a fascinating character and assisting Charlie to understand her motivation and drive, we welcome the bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of Isabella: She-Wolf of France, Queen of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Piers Gaveston & Hugh Despencer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 45:48


    In this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers a bromance. In fact he uncovers TWO bromances, both involving King Edward II. If the names Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despencer don't mean anything to you now, listen on, for it is a tale of male bonding that ultimately ends in the death of two of the Kings best friends, people to whom he'd given way too much power. And what a death for one of them! Helping Charlie pick through the hanging, drawing and quartering is Helen Carr author of The Red Prince; The life of John Of Gaunt, Duke Of Lancaster as well as the forthcoming book Sceptred Isle, a new history of the 14th century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Short History of Scotland

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 57:12


    In this episode, Charlie Higson heads north of the border.Joined by eminent Scottish historian Alistair Moffat, Charlie discovers the truth behind Macbeth and tracks a path from him, (don't believe anything Shakespeare told you!), through to the decisive victory for Robert The Bruce at The Battle Of Bannockburn.As well as the excellent stories he tells on this podcast, Alistair Moffat's book Bannockburn: The Battle for a Nation is required reading for anyone interested in this gripping tale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Simon De Montfort

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 77:20


    In this episode, Charlie Higson gets properly acquainted with the great knight and statesman, Simon De Montfort, who started out originally as one of Henry III's chief supporters but became increasingly enraged by how badly he thought Henry was running the country.Inevitably this led to wars and power struggles as de Montfort ended up leading the opposition to Henry as head of the baronial forces, trying to depose him, or at least curb his powers. It's a fascinating story and to help Charlie through the slings and arrows, he welcomes back Dr Sophie Therese Ambler, author of The Song of Simon de Montfort: The Life and Death of a Medieval Revolutionary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Birth of the Birth of the British Empire

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 53:26


    So when did The British Empire begin? Well, the idea of it was probably much earlier than you think and in this episode Charlie Higson is going to be asking questions about a time in English history when English monarchs seriously started looking at colonising other nations.And to assist Charlie in his quest, he's invited James Hawes back on the show. James is the author of The Shortest History of England and as well as looking at Empire, he also explains how England has been - and in many ways still is - split between a French elite and an English man in the street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Eustace The Monk

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 42:10


    In 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    King Louis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 56:11


    In this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the rather amazing story of King Louis Of England."Who's that", you say? Well, just over 800 years ago Louis, son and heir of the king of France, rode through the streets of London and was acclaimed king of England by cheering crowds.And yet you've probably not heard of him. Well, lucky for us, Cath Hanley is something of an expert on Louis having written the excellent book Louis: The French Prince who invaded England and she returns from her guest appearance in Series 1 to discuss the king we never knew we had. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Empress Matilda

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 67:05


    Imagine 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 is joined once again by best-selling author and historian Helen Castor, author of She Wolves and last year's acclaimed The Eagle & The Hart - The Biography of Richard II.Oh and if you haven't listened to Episodes 5 & 6 of the first series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, you might want to start there, it tells the story of Matilda's father, Henry I and her throne-stealing cousin, Stephen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    William Marshall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 78:34


    In 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 more information.

    LIVE EVENT - How To Depose A Medieval Ruler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 68:23


    In 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 World)It's a chance to take a deep dive into medieval plots, conspiracies and power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Medieval Women: In Their Own Words

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 36:14


    In 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 50:58


    What was life really like for women in the medieval period? How did they think about sex, death and God? Could they live independent lives? And how can we hear their stories?Lucky for us, Hetta Howes has asked all these questions and come up with some pretty compelling answers, all neatly told in her new book Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife. In this special episode, Charlie Higson chats with Hetta about the lives of four incredible women from this period, Marie de France, a poet; Julian of Norwich, a mystic and anchoress; Christine de Pizan, a widow and court writer; and Margery Kempe, a "no-good wife".It's a fabulous listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Thomas Becket

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 48:49


    Thomas Becket. Lord High Chancellor, Archbishop Of Canterbury and close friend of Henry II. What could possibly go wrong??Well, enough to get him chopped up by four of Henry's knights, that's what! The question Charlie Higson wants to know the answer to though is 'how'? What precipitated his spectacular fall from grace? Why was he killed? And who stuck the 'A' in the middle of his name? Luckily, Nicholas Vincent from the University Of East Anglia is on hand to provide answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Crusades

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 55:03


    In 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.

    NEW SERIES: Hereward The Wake

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 41:06


    In 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.

    The Anglo Saxon Period with Michael Wood OBE

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 47:32


    In this special, final episode in Series 2, Charlie Higson chats to a legendary TV Historian, Michael Wood OBE. From epic TV series like Michael Wood's Story of China, to books including In Search Of The Dark Ages, Michael has made history more accessible and made over 120 TV documentaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Invention of British Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 48:14


    In this special episode, Charlie Higson indulges his fascination with British art. His guest is Bendor Grosvenor, the art historian, writer and former art dealer. As well as his sleuthing work discovering lost art treasures, he's also published a book called The Invention Of British Art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Harald Hardrada

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 55:03


    To 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.

    Edward The Confessor

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 55:36


    In 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.

    Cnut

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 55:01


    Yes, 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.

    Edmund Ironside

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 48:53


    Egbert'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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    BONUS EPISODE 100 - The British Empire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 51:09


    In 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.

    Æthelred the Unready

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 66:52


    Battling 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.

    The 5 Eds

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 65:02


    In 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Æthelstan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 68:20


    In 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.

    Edward & Æthelflæd

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 48:46


    In 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/privacy for more information.

    Alfred The Great

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 65:56


    History 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.

    Series 2 - The Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 24:22


    So 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.

    BONUS EPISODE - Building Myth Busting

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 43:24


    In this special bonus episode, released just ahead of Series 2, Charlie Higson welcomes the font of archaeological knowledge that is James Wright, author of Historic Building Mythbusting, a book which, well, does exactly what it says on the cover.That local pub of yours that says it's 'Ye Oldest In England'.......it probably isn't. Those secret tunnels under every town? They don't exist.Listen and marvel at the nonsense we've been told over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Willy Willy Pub Quiz!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 25:41


    To end our series of short episodes, Charlie Higson brings you the much anticipated Willy Willy Harry Stee Pub Quiz!So gather round your family and friends and see how many you get right in the King of all Quizzes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Willy Willy Shorts - The Origin Of Language

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 22:52


    Through 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.

    Willy Willy Shorts - The alternative rhyme

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 8:56


    Through 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.

    Willy Willy Shorts - Wars Of The Roses from a different perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 11:14


    Through 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.

    Willy Willy Shorts - Great Tales from English History

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 5:05


    Through 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.

    Willy Willy Shorts - A Baptism of Saliva

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 5:49


    Through 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.

    Willy Willy Shorts - Conservatism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 8:11


    Through 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.

    Willy Willy Shorts - The Churchills

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 6:44


    Through 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.

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