Podcast appearances and mentions of Charlie Higson

It's the one, it's the only... Charlie Higson!! Nadia's got a bit of a face on when she realises who's come to join her and Frank on the island, given that they've just created a book together, as this means breaking one of the island's golden rules - but soon she's ripping up said rule book (it's very thin) and eating it with glee as Charlie charms one and all with tales from his glorious career as a children's writer. If that's not enough, there are reflections on music and (semi?) quavers, and a race to the best James Bond dog pun, though all involved have to hang their heads in shame for missing Octopuppy. 

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.

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.

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.

In this classic episode from the Namaste Archvie, Cally talks to Charlie Higson about: James Bond, The Fast Show, hustles, university, Paul Whitehouse, Harry Enfield, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, punk, Thatcher, creativity, Dad's Army, sons, brothers and writing. Instagram: @higsonmonstroso Charlie's books and more Get tickets for Cally's Tour Order Cally's Book More about Cally Produced by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Music by Jake Yapp Cover design by Jaijo Part of the Auddy Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Cumming, writer, actor, composer and originator of Operation Mincemeat: The Musical, transformed one of WWII's most surreal tales—a corpse planted with fake intelligence to mislead the Nazis—into an all-singing, all-dancing West End sensation. Our host, Charlie Higson speaks to David about finding musical comedy in this unlikely wartime story, and balancing humour with the operation's darker truths.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.

Jack Barsky was arguably one of the most successful and enduring of the "Illegals”. These were the Soviet and Russian operatives who seamlessly integrated into American society while covertly serving their handlers in Moscow. But as Jack started a family in his new country, the weight of his double life began to take its toll. Talking to actor and spy novelist Charlie Higson, Jack delves into his remarkable journey from Soviet KGB agent to devoted American family man, taking us inside his daring decision to fake his own death to escape his handlers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

Charlie Higson is bordering on national treasure status with millions of fans worldwide an author, actor, producer, comedian and writer for TV, film and radio. Both his ‘Young Bond' and ‘The Enemy' series for teenagers, have sold over a million copies in the UK. The rights to The Enemy books have been sold to a leading US studio who are currently developing it as a major movie franchise.In 2023 Charlie published his first adult James Bond novel, On His Majesty's Secret Service.In the 80s Charlie was lead singer in the Indie dance band The Higsons, whose hits included I Don't Want To Live With Monkeys, and Run Me Down which todays podcast will focus on.Charlie wrote 4 adult crime novels, ‘King Of The Ants', ‘Happy Now', ‘Full Whack' and ‘Getting Rid Of Mr Kitchen' in the 1990s and returned to crime writing in 2022 with the publication of ‘Whatever Gets You Through The Night'. 2023 saw his first foray into adult James Bond novels with ‘On His Majesty's Secret Service', published to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III.His book for younger children, ‘Worst. Holiday. Ever', was published in 2021 with the sequel ‘Worst. Superhero. Ever' out in Autumn 2024.TV writing work includes Saturday Live, Harry Enfield's Television Programme, Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, Professor Branestawm, the sitcom - Swiss Toni, and the BAFTA winning sketch show The Fast Show, which he co-created, co-produced and starred in with Paul Whitehouse.Charlie and Paul co-produced and performed in the award-winning spoof radio series Down the Line for BBC Radio 4, which led to the BBC2 television series Bellamy's People.Charlie was also show-runner, and lead writer on two drama series - Randall & Hopkirk Deceased, for the BBC, and Jekyll & Hyde, for ITV.As well as appearing in many of his own productions, Charlie had major acting roles in the dramas Broadchurch and Grantchester in 2017.In 2023 Charlie launched his own podcast, a history of the British monarchy called ‘Willy Willy Harry Stee'. And is currently the interviewer for the espionage themed podcast The Spy Who.Pop over to the website (www.onthehuh.org) it has lots of links to other bands stuff and venues as well as a link to an ever evolving Spotify playlist of Norwich bands material compiled by pod producer Reuben Andrews called La musique de Norwich.chin chin

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.

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.

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.

Krzysztof Kosior was thirty when he first felt ready to visit Auschwitz. But since childhood, he had heard stories of his great-grandfather's time there, and of his journey from unknown soldier to one of Poland's greatest heroes. Talking to actor and spy novelist Charlie Higson, Krzysztof reflects on his family's memories of Witold, and on the surprising struggles of those with the Pilecki name. Plus he takes listeners inside what happened when Witold met Tomasz Serafinski, whose identity he used during his time in the camp.Have you got a spy story you'd like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.comEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/spywhoTry it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amory Lumumba was born long after the 1961 assassination of his grandfather. Yet the impact continues to ripple through his family today. Actor and spy novelist Charlie Higson speaks with Amory about the heavy responsibility of carrying the Lumumba name, and the enduring, inspirational legacy that Patrice Lumumba left behind. Plus, Amory tells Charlie why he's convinced the United States were involved in the killing.Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now.Have you got a spy story you'd like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week Bex chats to writer, comedian and performer Charlie Higson about his new book Worst. Superhero. Ever. A comedic and adventurous sequel to Worst. Holiday. Ever. It follows Stan, a young boy who unexpectedly lands a starring role as a superhero in a popular TV show. Stan, however, is anything but confident and is terrified of embarrassing himself on national television!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Send us a textDelighted to welcome Comedy GOLD to "The Good Listening To Show" Clearing, with "The Fast Show Queen" (as I'm calling her) Arabella Weir! As she joins me to uncover the hilarious stories behind her iconic Comedic characters, as the main female comedic protagonist in the iconic long running sketch-show TV series "The Fast Show." From her unforgettable catchphrase "Does my bum look big in this?" to her backstage antics with fellow comedians Charlie Higson, Paul Whitehouse, John Thomson, Mark Williams & Simon Day. Arabella's stories are sure to leave you in stitches. But it's not all laughs; she dives into the deep end of identity, body image, and the resilience that has shaped her extraordinary career.Arabella takes us on a journey through her childhood, sharing the heartwarming influence of her Granny Shishi and the challenges posed by more critical family members. Scotland plays a starring role in her narrative, providing a rich cultural backdrop that has fueled her creativity. Listen in as Arabella candidly discusses how her "stroppiness" and feminist instincts propelled her through an industry fraught with sexism, all while maintaining her signature wit and charm.If you've ever wondered what truly inspires a comedic genius, Arabella spills the beans—from lifelong friendships to the simple pleasures of chocolate biscuits and Judge Judy. Her reflections touch on the absurdities of entitlement in modern life and the joy derived from making others laugh. As she looks toward the future, Arabella shares her excitement about the upcoming "The Fast Show" tour in 2025 and reveals her ambitions for legacy and storytelling. Don't miss this delightful episode filled with laughter, love, and the remarkable resilience of Arabella Weir.Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk Twitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Charlie Higson joins, he's a comedy legend, actor, author of the young Bond novels and presenter of a successful podcast Willy Willy Harry Stee, which covers all the monarchs over several series so do check it out. Episode Links Willy Willy Harry Stee Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a groundbreaking investigation into the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, journalism group Bellingcat exposed previously unknown details of the Salisbury Poisonings that blew the case wide open. Journalist and Bellingcat founder Elliot Higgins and host Charlie Higson explore where the responsibility to protect covert operations ends and the public's right to be informed begins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

What better way to launch this year's Men's Month than to release an episode recorded at our London Residency earlier this year, with none-other than the legendary Charlie Higson? The actor, writer and Fast Show alumni, started off proceedings by telling us about the time he was targeted by a gang, who were compulsive in their criminal activities, before helping Taylor and Hannah 'solve' a case in which a doctor more than ignored the Hippocratic oath and gives us an insight on what the bedside manner of Michael McIntyre would be like. Finally, a member of the audience allows us to debate on all the reasons why her house is so 'burglarable' ... answers on a postcard please!Check out our Patreon page, for invites to our live zoom records, shout outs, AD FREE and early access to eps and LOTS MORE!Come and see Taylor and Hannah LIVE at their Christmas show in Brighton, with special guests Laura Lexx and Zoe Lyons!Tickets are now on sale for their double header Christmas Show at The Brighton Komedia on 16th December 2024All details can be found here -Drunk Women Solving Crime - The UK's hit true crime comedy podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

Why did Fuchs take such a huge gamble by sharing US nuclear secrets with the Soviets? Was Oppenheimer's fellow physicist seeking peace - or war? Charlie Higson talks to Frank Close, an author and physicist, about Fuchs' decision and its impact on the course of history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why was Carlin considered Thatcher's favourite spy? What difference did he really make? And how did he cope when he became an exile?To find out more about Carlin's life and significance, Charlie Higson is joined by Aaron Edwards, the author of 'Agents of Influence: Britain's Secret Intelligence War Against the IRA'.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

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.