They say a week is a long time in politics. Well, it's nothing compared to 9 days in the Monarchy and as Charlie Higson discovers, her tale is a tragic one. She didn't even want to be Queen!

Joining him to unravel the tale is Helen Castor author of She-Wolves who returns for one last time to uncover a story of plotting, religious fanaticism and eventually, violence.

Speaking of Books, Charlie's book, WIllie WIllie Harry Stee is available to buy, read, enjoy and other things you might use books for.

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Henry VIII's only legitimate son is crowned King at 9 years old and as Charlie Higson discovers, his should have been the perfect reign, but it will come as no surprise to find out that things didn't go according to plan.

Helping Charlie is this episodes proper historian, Stephen Alford who wrote about Edward for Penguin Books 'Monarch' series as well as authoring his highly acclaimed book 'The Watchers: A Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth'

And of course, if you like books, remember to get your copy of 'Willie WIllie Harry Stee' by Charlie, available now!

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Henry VIII gets a second episode in which Charlie Higson tells the story of Katherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Catherine and Katherine. The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

Assisting him on this tumultuous voyage is the husband and wife historical tag-team of Julia Fox & John Guy, authors of Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage that Shook Europe.

The book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, the perfect feast for your eyes as this podcast is a feast for your ears.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050

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Yes, we usher in Henry VIII.

He ate a lot. He spent a lot. He married a lot.

If that's all you know about the most famous of all our Kings, then listen on as Charlie Higson uncovers Henry's life in the first part of a story that is so epic, it requires.....well......two parts!

Such is Henry's magnitude, one guest is not enough either. In this episode we have two, the formidable husband and wife team of John Guy & Julia Fox, authors of many books on this Monarch including Hunting The Falcon, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage that Shook Europe.

Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050

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Yes, Charlie Higson's personal history of the Monarchy lands on Henry VII, the victor at the Battle Of Bosworth and our first Tudor King, and it turns out he was a pretty good one!

Joining Charlie is this episodes 'Proper Historian', is Nathen Amin, author of Tudor Wales, The House of Beaufort, and Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders: Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick  

The book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, the perfect feast for your eyes as this podcast is a feast for your ears.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050

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Yes, Charlie Higson lands on Richard III.

Was he Dick The Bad or should we celebrate him as one of the good ones?

Here to argue his case is the Chairman of the Richard the Third society, Matt Lewis.

Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050

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As he wades through the Wars Of The Roses, Charlie Higson reaches a king whose reign can be measured in days, Edward V.

As one of the two Princes In The Tower along with his brother Richard Of Shrewsbury, Edward's life was short and tragic.

In a departure from the norm, instead of the usual 'proper historian', Charlie invites a fellow history fan to join him, as David Mitchell, author of the book Unruly chats all things Edward.

Speaking of books, Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Big ones, small ones, even those that online ones!

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King Edward IV that's who!

The tale of bloody battles continues as Edward returns for a second stab at the crown as Charlie Higson makes sense of civil wars and the struggle for ultimate power.

This episode's proper historian is James Hawes, author of The Shortest History Of England.

Plus! A special guest historian returns as Helen Castor brings us the sad postscript to the incredible Margaret Of Anjou

You can read more about Edward by popping to the bookshop, or going online and buying what can only be described as 'The Book Of The Podcast'. Willie WIllie Harry Stee is available now, with illustrations by Jim Moir and words by our very own Charlie Higson.

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What happens when a King goes wrong? The story of Henry VI and his battles with Edward IV continues as Charlie Higson tells the story of one of history's biggest power struggles. And you thought the Roy family were bad!!

Plus we hear about the formidable Margaret Of Anjou as we welcome back Helen Castor, author of She Wolves, Joan Of Arc & Blood & Roses and do remember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Yes! All of them!

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The story of Henry VI is a tangled one, intertwined with Edward IV and, not something to be rushed. So over the next two episodes, Charlie Higson unpicks the story of a man who became king, then was deposed only to become king again, only to be deposed.....again!

It's a fascinating story which takes in a couple of wars, one civil and one against the French and even Joan of Arc makes an appearance.

Helping Charlie make sense of all this is the excellent Helen Castor, author of Joan Of Arc and Blood & Roses and speaking of books, remember that you can still buy the book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee, a hardback volume lovingly created by Charlie, with sumptuous illustrations by his old pal Vic Reeves....or Jim Moir to be more precise.

Available now wherever books are sold.

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Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five....... In this episode, Charlie Higson looks at the second-most famous Henry.....Henry V.

As you'll hear, Henry was one tough bugger!

Battle Of Agincourt? Easy!

Arrow embedded in your face? 'Tis but a scratch!

His reign was short but he got things done as you'll hear along with Charlie's proper historian this week, Dr Rory Cox, all round Henry V expert and author of Origins Of The Just War.

And speaking of books, don't forget that the book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, the perfect feast for your eyes as this podcast is a feast for your ears.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050

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Forget what Shakespeare said. In this episode, you'll hear Charlie Higson continue his voyage through history with a story of a King who lived fast and died young without really achieving much, while this episodes proper historian, Ian Mortimer, author of 'The Fears of Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-Made King', argues that Henry was actually genuinely impressive.

You can read more about Henry by popping to the bookshop, or going online and buying what can only be described as 'The Book Of The Podcast'. Willie WIllie Harry Stee is available now, with illustrations by Jim Moir and words by our very own Charlie Higson.

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You'd think by now that they'd have got the hang of this whole King thing. What to do. What not to do. Well, they hadn't and Richard II is a good example of the 'What Not To Do' category.

Charlie's proper historian this episode sees the return of Helen Castor, author of 'She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth' and 'The Eagle & The Heart, The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV.

And speaking of books, don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir, or Vic Reeves as you may know him.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050

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Find out how he contended with fighting the Scots, the French and the Black Death.

Charlie's proper historian this episode is Helen Carr, author of the best-selling book The Red Prince: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.

And speaking of books, don't forget that the book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, the perfect feast for your eyes as this podcast is a feast for your ears.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Willie-Harry-Stee-brand-new-hilarious/dp/0008741050

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Find out how his disastrous relationships, especially with Piers Gaveston gave rise to his downfall at the hands of his own wife Queen Isabella which led to a particularly unpleasant end.

Charlie's proper historian this episode is Dr Rory Cox, author of Origins of the Just War: Military Ethics and Culture in the Ancient Near East

And just in case you DIDN'T unwrap a copy of Charlie's book-of-the-podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee on Christmas morning, well don't worry. Clicking the link below will get you one just as soon as the post starts up again.

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

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In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I, the warrior king.

Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalized in stone.

To mark the places where it laid, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.

More than seven centuries later, Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge: following in history’s footsteps by walking the entire 200-mile funeral route on the corresponding dates and in this edition of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson chats with Alice about the journey and the writing of the book itself.

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Charlie's 'Proper Historian' for this episode is the excellent Marc Morris, author of A Great & Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain and speaking of books, remember that you can still buy the book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee, a hardback volume lovingly created by Charlie, with sumptuous illustrations by his old pal Vic Reeves....or Jim Moir to be more precise.

Available now wherever books are sold.

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Born on Youtube, The Map Men has been an internet sensation and their new book 'This Way Up' is a funny and fascinating journey into the maps that messed up: big time!

In this chat with Mark Cooper-Jones and Jay Foreman (aka, the Map Men) Charlie finds out how they got into the world of mad maps in the first place and digs into the book that takes a deep dive into the world’s most baffling and absurd map blunders, some innocent, but others not so!

Remember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Christmas. Sorted!!

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Was Henry weak and inept while Simon held the real power?

We'll find out as Charlie welcomes this week's proper historian, Sophie Therese Ambler  author of a biography of Simon de Montfort called - The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary and the Death of Chivalry.

If you'd like to read all about it, remember that this episode is a book companion to Willie Willie Harry Stee the book of the podcast. Beautifully written by Charlie and illustrated by Jim Moir, its available now, so go and snap one up!

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BUT...was he really that bad a King?

Well, yes. He really was. In fact he was worse than we thought.

Find out just how rubbish a monarch he was as Charlie digs into his hopeless life, together with this episode's proper historian, Professor Nick Vincent.

And, while you're listening, why not order the book of the podcast! WIllie Willie Harry Stee with illustrations by Jim Moir, available at all book outlets.

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Noble, considerate and fair.....according to Walt Disney, however Charlie digs a little deeper and finds a King of England who, well, wasn't in England very much.

With guest proper historian, the excellent Dan Jones, author of The Plantagenets & Essex Dogs to help him, Charlie uncovers the REAL Richard I.

And remember, Willie Willie Harry Stee, the book of the podcast, is out now, so you can read about Richard as well as listen!

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

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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.

Of course, you can also now read about Henry by buying the book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee. Available now in all bookshops, even the shabby ones.

Buy it online here..... https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson

Its the ideal Christmas gift.

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When Henry I died, the crown should have fallen to his daughter, the Empress Matilda.

BUT

Stephen 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.

And remember, Willie Willie Harry Stee, the book of the podcast, is out now, so you can read about Henry as well as listen!

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

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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.

And remember, Willie Willie Harry Stee, the book of the podcast, is out now, so you can read about Henry as well as listen!

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

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In this, the final episode of the Summer / Autumn History Book Club, Charlie Higson welcome a talented young historian who is really making waves in the social media world.

Katie Kennedy, also known on Tik Tok as 'The History Gossip' is dedicated to popularising history and making it accessible and relatable – and she’s done all this while being a student and studying history at university.

Earlier this year, she wrote her first book, called Was Anne of Cleves a Minger?

It presents a fun and interesting historical fact to cover every day of the year and Katie and Charlie talk about her work, her passion for history and her insanely busy life!

While Charlie is off around the country with the Fast Show tour, he'll be giving you another chance to listen to the original series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, which is a fine companion to the book of the podcast, Willie WiIlie Harry Stee, a book complete with illustrations from Jim Moir.

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

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This week's proper expert is James Hawes, author of the smash hit 'The Shortest History of England’, who’s been in the bestseller charts as both a crime novelist and a popular historian.

In this episode, find out how the Norman invasion directly led to Brexit!

It really is a real life version of Succession!

These episodes are best enjoyed while reading the new Book of the Podcast Willie Willie Harry Stee. You can buy the book here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

So do!

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His guest is Dr Rachel Moss, a medieval historian at the University of Northampton, who has been awarded a prestigious joint research grant from the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust to investigate how far-right groups in Britain have historically misused medieval imagery and narratives to promote extremist ideologies.

Rachel explains just how long this has been happening and explores some of the root causes of the appeal of this hijacking of history.

REMEMBER: Charlie's new book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee, with illustrations by Jim Moir is in bookshops NOW! Click below to buy.

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

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The question is WHY was he known as this?

The answer is.....well, Charlie will explain along with proper historian, Judith Green.

You can buy the book here. https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

So do!

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Charlie is joined by the book's illustrator, formerly known as Britain's Top Light Entertainer under his stage name Vic Reeves, the acclaimed artist Jim Moir.

The book is OUT NOW so order it here..... https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603 ..... or go and buy one, its available in all great booksellers.

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Yes, on October 9th, Charlie's personal history of the monarchy becomes a literary work, with deliciously witty illustrations by Jim Moir.

It's a rip-roaring romp through history that takes in the Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts, Hanoverians and Windsors, not to mention the infamous Blois (how can we forget them?).

But hang on......how can Charlie interview himself about his own book?? Well, he can't, which is why the excellent Al Murray returns to probe the author.

You can pre-order or buy the book here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603

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As war broke out in the summer of 1914, not a nation on Earth understood the magnitude of what they were about to face. To win it, whole populations must be mobilised, and neutrality was impossible to practice.

Our understanding of this complex conflict has been coloured by a blinkered approach to popular history. It has ignored the fact that Denmark actively participated in laying minefields as soon as war began; that the first British shots were fired in West Africa, by a black man; and the first Australian casualties occurred not at Gallipoli, but in the Pacific.

Charlie's guests are books authors Alex Churchill & Nicolai Eberholst, who have scoured the globe in search of an enormous quantity of fresh material, bringing us history not as told by 'great men', but as a people's view of the war which tells a touching and surprising tale of events that many us may have thought we already knew.

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As a woman, if you lived in Scotland in the 1500s, there was a very good chance that you, or someone you knew, would be tried as a witch. Witch hunts ripped through the country for over 150 years, with at least 4,000 accused, and many women's fates sealed by a grizzly execution of strangulation, followed by burning.

In their book How to Kill A Witch: A Guide For The Patriarchy writers and podcasters Claire Mitchell, KC, and Zoe Venditozzi, have delved deeply into just why the trials exploded in Scotland to such a degree and with wit, and a sense of outrage, they attempt to inhabit the minds of the, often male, persecutors, revealing the inner workings of exactly why the Patriarchy went to such extraordinary lengths to silence women.

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It's called the History of Art in One Sentence: 500 years of art - but funny, written by Verity Babbs.

Verity has carved out her own cultural space as an art historian, comedian and presenter. To quote from her website, Verity's work focuses on making the art world more accessible and bringing laughter into cultural spaces. 

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Where did they come from? What do they mean? What do they represent?

With the current outbreak of flag raising around the country and furious arguments about what these flags represent, Charlie un-furls the truth to help us understand the real origins of the flags of the United Kingdom.

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Before the East India Company and before the British Empire, England was an unimportant backwater. Seeking better fortunes, 16th and 17th century merchants ventured to the empire of the mighty Mughals, attempting to sell coarse woollen broadcloth that nobody really wanted.

It was a land ruled from the palatial towers by women – the formidable Empress Nur Jahan Begim, the enterprising Queen Mother Maryam al-Zamani, and the intrepid Princess Jahanara Begim. Their collision of worlds helped connect East and West, launching a tempestuous period of globalisation spanning from the Chinese opium trade to the slave trade in the Americas.

Joining Charlie to explain this fascinating story is Dr Lubaaba Al-Azami, whose book 'Travellers in the Golden Realm' traces the origins of a relationship between two nations – one outsider and one superpower – whose cultures remain inextricably linked to this day.

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As well as being the man behind the Pub Landlord, Al is also able, in his own words, to 'bang on' about his love of World War II history for a long time.

Which suits us just fine.

Al is the author of Watching War Films With My Dad, Command: How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War, Arnhem, Black Tuesday and Victory '45 - The End Of The War in Eight Surrenders, co-written with his We Have Ways podcast co-host, James Holland.

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Virginia Woolf compared her to a caterpillar; Anne Frank kept pictures of her on the wall of her annex and Donald Trump offended her; E.M. Forster confessed he would have married her, if only she had been a boy.

The book that uncovers these fascinating insights is A Voyage Around the Queen by the very clever and very funny Craig Brown and in this episode, Charlie and Craig talk about this and his other works.

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As part of her self-confessed mission to shine a light on forgotten but important women in history, Amy has scoured the records from Europe and beyond to tell the stories of mistresses and martyrs, witches and muses, pirates and jesters, doctors and astronomers, escapees and murderesses, colonists and saints. 

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The Light Ages by Seb Falk, A Medieval Journey Of Discovery.

It's easy to form an impression of how backward and ignorant everybody was in the Middle Ages, BUT in his book, Seb explores the time through the life of an extraordinary monk, John of Westwick and he uncovers an age when people were eager to learn about the workings of the world and indeed of the stars in the universe, demonstrating just how much more people knew, than we give them credit for.

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In Stuart Maconie’s new book, With A Little Help from Their Friends: The Beatles Changed the World, but Who Changed Theirs?, Stuart discusses some of the people around this infamous band who irrevocably altered the world for all of us.

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The book is Sceptred Isle and the author chatting to Charlie Higson is Helen Carr who's been a guest on the show a few times.

Helen's big interest is the Middle Ages and her book is A New History of the Fourteenth Century, an extraordinary time with some extraordinary characters right across the board.

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These books include Humans - A Brief History of How We Fucked It All Up which was published in 2018. He followed this up with Truth - A Brief History of Total Bullshit, in 2019 – and then Conspiracy - A History of Bullshit Theories and How Not To Fall For Them, published in 2022 and as his most recent book is A Brief History of the End Of The Fucking World published this year, it's pretty clear what the main topic is in each book!

Tom is a journalist with a passion and dedication for fact-checking, which makes these books even more interesting as they separate fact from fiction.

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In this special set of episodes, to run through July and August, Charlie Higson delves headfirst into some of the current crop of history books and invites the authors onto the podcast.

In 1603 England was on the edge of crisis. Queen Elizabeth I had died, bringing the Tudor line to an end.

Enter King James, who reached London after an unprecedented procession from Scotland. James established a new dynasty on the English throne and the first 'united' kingdom of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales was born. The Stuarts had arrived.

But first, this new 'Great Britain' had to play catch up. England was behind, but James's global ambitions began to shift the tide. Ships departed London for America, Russia, Persia, India and Japan, and as the fledgling East India Company became ever closer to the crown, the seeds of the future British Empire were sown.

Professor Anna Whitelock's new book The Sun Rising: James I and the Dawn of a Global Britain tells this fascinating story and is the subject of this episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee.

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Gilles de Rais was accused of, and eventually confessed to some awful, depraved crimes, and this was a man who was a companion in arms of Joan of Arc!

At his trial, he was hanged for the murder of 140 children, both young men and women, killed for sexual pleasure and to help him in satanic rituals.

So did he do it? There were confessions, many of which you can read even today, full of disturbing detail, but nevertheless, from nearly 600 years ago, still there for us to try and decipher.

A far easier route however is to press 'play' on this podcast as Charlie and Matthew Lewis try and separate fact from hearsay.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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 a

historian & author based in Ohio, USA.

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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.

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The droghte of march hath perced to the roote,

And bathed every veyne in swich licour

Of 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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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 & Queens

Yes, 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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As well as his sleuthing work discovering lost art treasures, he's also published a book called The Invention Of British Art.

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Helping Charlie to look into this fascinating character is Don Hollway, author of The Last Viking and Battle For The Island Kingdom

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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.

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Assisting Charlie in untangling the facts from the nonsense is

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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.

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If you've ever wondered what the British Empire was all about, start here.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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Helping Charlie fact-check Alfred's greatness is Justin Pollard, Historian, TV producer and author of Alfred The Great: The Man Who Made England

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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!

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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.

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So gather round your family and friends and see how many you get right in the King of all Quizzes!

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In today's episode, Charlie looks at the origins of many words we use everyday without knowing why.

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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.

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In today's episode, Charlie finds out that the Welsh view of the Wars Of The Roses was more like a giant family squabble!

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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.

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In today's episode, Charlie looks at the eventful baptism of James I.

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In today's episode, Charlie takes a lost piece from the Oliver Cromwell episode and compares it to the modern day political situation.

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In today's episode, Charlie discusses the switching sides habit of the Churchill family, from John to Winston and ending up at Boris.

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In today's episode, Charlie talks about his love of Ladybird books and how the Robin Hood edition in particular stayed with him.

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In today's episode, Charlie lets us into his personal obsession of Orcs and their pikes in Lord Of The Rings.

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In today's episode, explains why Richard III was The Hog and why Viscount Frances Lovell was The Dog.

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In today's episode, Charlie talks is through the ceremonial regalia that has been used over the years.

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In today's episode, Charlie looks at the middle east and examines the myth of it's peaceful past prior to the Crusades.

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In today's episode, Helen Castor reveals the origin of the phrase 'Time Immemorial'.

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In today's episode, Ian Mortimer, author of The Time Traveller's Guide books chats with Charlie Higson about what 'history' actually is and give his views on what it isn't.

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In today's episode, Charlie explain how popular legends can sometimes be less than accurate and how Elephant & Castle in London is nothing to do with Eleanor of Castile.

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In today's episode, Charlie explores the evolution of accents.

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In today's episode, what's in a surname?

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In this first episode, Charlie looks at how some English Kings were able to produce vast numbers of illegitimate children, while singularly failing to produce legitimate heirs.

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Charlie chats with Nathen about his new book Son Of Prophecy: The Rise Of Henry Tudor temporarily shining the spotlight away from Henry's notorious son, Henry VIII

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In this special Bonus episode, Jo speaks to Charlie Higson about her book Fake History, 101 Facts That Never Happened. Find out more on X at @fakehistoryhunt.

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Now though, Matt goes all mediaeval on us as he talks about his newest book, The History Hit Guide To Mediaeval England.

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To help Charlie understand some of the key points is a man who, by his own admission, is obsessed with WW2, James Holland, author of over 30 books on the subject, host of the We Have Ways podcast with Al Murray and co-founder of the Chalke and We Have Ways festivals.

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Joining Charlie on the outdoor stage, in front of a large audience, were broadcaster and writer Alice Loxton, historian, television producer and writer Justin Pollard and 'Ghosts' and 'Horrible Histories' actor and comedian Laurence Rickard.

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And so, just over a year after he began, Charlie Higson reaches the end of his rhyme, though not the end of the podcast as you'll hear.

This is the story of Charles III, a man who had to wait 73 years before he succeeded as King.

Joining Charlie to discuss Charles is Stephen Bates, once royal correspondent for the Guardian, now author of The Shortest History Of The Crown.

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This episode is a first in that it deals with a Queen that some of us might actually have met. Charlie Higson did, albeit briefly and here, he brings us the story of a long and, for the most part, expertly handled reign.

Joining Charlie to discuss Elizabeth II is Dominic Sandbrook an author and himself a king.....sort of. King of historical podcasts as one half of the very successful series 'The Rest Is History'.

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Charlie Higson hosted a panel of proper historians to discuss the best ways to Survive A Tudor or Stuart Court.

His guest panel comprised Ophelia Field, author of The Favourite, Nicola Clark, author of The Waiting Game - The untold story of the women who served the Tudor Queens and Alex Courtney, author of James VI, Britannic Prince.

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We're up to our final George....King George VI. A man who, though never destined to be the monarch, actually turned out to be the right man for the job....and what a massive job it was as World War II dominated his reign.

Helping Charlie Higson to unpick this member of the 'Good King Club' is James Holland, celebrated World War II historian and co-founder of the Chalke History Festival.

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Charlie Higson's monarchical quest moves one step closer to the present day as he reached Edward VIII, the only King to have given up the throne voluntarily.

Was this due to his chivalric love and devotion to Wallace Simpson?...or was he just a selfish git?

Helping Charlie answer this question is Alexander Larman, author of The Crown In Crisis and The Power & The Glory.

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Yes, we're up to George V, a man who didn't expect to be King, but ended up being quite good at it, in fact his actions saved the monarchy when all around Europe, others fell.

Alex Churchill makes a welcome return to not only help Charlie Higson understand George, but also to understand the reasons behind the devastating First World War,

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In this special BONUS EDITION of Charlie Higson's history of the monarchy, he takes a fascinating look at how the real life horror of a volcanic eruption in 1815 gave birth to imaginary horrors that haunt us still.

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King Edward VII to be precise, though you may call him Bertie. A man who, as Prince Edward, loved the good things in life but, as we'll hear, matured into a decent King, though, like our current monarch, had to wait a while before taking the throne.

Helping Charlie Higson to dig a little deeper into this fascinating man is Professor Jane Ridley, author of Bertie, A Life Of Edward VII

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We're starting to move into familiar territory here as Charlie Higson looks at a Queen we all think we know. Victoria, but as we'll hear, we probably don't know anywhere near as much as we think.

Helping Charlie this episode is proper historian Alex Churchill, podcaster, sub-stacker and author of Victoria's story in Iain Dale's epic, Kings & Queens.

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After the extravagance of George IV, his more austere son King William IV is pushed into the spotlight. A latecomer to the throne, here was a man who would much rather have been on a battleship than in Buckingham Palace.

Helping Charlie Higson to make sense of this complex man is Roger Knight, author of 'William IV: A King At Sea' in the Penguin Monarchs series.

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And so the final George hove's into view, as Charlie Higson brings us George IV. The Prince Regent who became a king, eventually, he liked the finer things in life and changed fashion forever!

Helping Charlie unravel his life is Catherine Curzon, author of Kings of Georgian Britain.

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Joining Charlie is Dr. Onyeka Nubia. A writer, presenter and historian, Onyeka is senior lecturer in history at the University of Nottingham, with a particular focus on Africans in ancient and mediaeval England.

In 2013 he published Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England, Their Presence, Status and Origins

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Let's face it, there was a lot going on. The Napoleonic Wars, Royal Madness, Political Intrigue. All juicy content with fine comedic potential if you're a brilliant young artist with a sense of humour, someone like James Gillray.

Far from being worried by scathing political cartoons, the leaders of the day sobbed if they weren't caricatured. It truly was the forerunner to Spitting Image.

Helping Charlie sketch a picture of the times is Alice Loxton, social media sensation and author of Uproar! Satire, Scandal and Printmaking in Georgian London

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In reality, this can be seen as the first World War, taking in Europe, North America, The Caribbean and India.

To help navigate this dangerous path, Charlie is joined by Dan Snow, creator of History Hit and author of Death Or Victory: The Battle For Quebec and The Birth of Empire

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With a reign so long it demanded two episodes, Charlie Higson wraps up King George III and it's a pretty epic task, taking in the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the creation of the United Kingdom and some big characters like Horatio Nelson, Pitt The Younger and of course, Napoleon, with a conclusion that, on the whole, George III did a pretty good job!

Helping Charlie shine a light on this often maligned monarch is national treasure Ian Hislop.

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Our quartet of George's reaches number 3 with our longest serving King.....so far! It's a reign so long that we've had to split it into two parts.

In this episode, Charlie Higson looks at the early life of George III.

Assisting Charlie with an overview of George's influence is the author of The Shortest History Of England and The Shortest History Of Germany - James Hawes.

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The second of our four Georges hove's into view...George II. He hated his dad, he wasn't particularly passionate (just ask his mistress!) but he was the last British sovereign to fight alongside his soldiers.

Charlie Higson welcomes Tracy Borman back to the podcast to discuss George II, for Tracy is a BIG fan of this monarch, and the women in his life, hence her book 'King's Mistress, Queen's Servant - The Life & Times Of Henrietta Howard'

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Skip around 50 more eligible heirs and what do you get? You get the House of Hanover and the first of our four Georges.......George I.

If you've ever wondered how we ended up with a German king, Charlie Higson will enlighten you, along with his 'proper' historian, Catherine Curzon author of Kings Of Georgian Britain.

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This is the tale of our one and only Queen Anne, who despite giving birth 17 times, was unable to produce an heir, ending the Stuart dynasty forever.

Joining Charlie Higson as he delves into Anne's eventful life is Ophelia Field, author of The Kit Kat Club and The Favourite.

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Having looked at Mary's life in the last episode, it's time to focus on William III , otherwise known as William Of Orange.

Just watch out for the mole!

To discuss William's reign, Charlie is joined by Dr Jonathan Healey, author of The Blazing World.

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Having booted her Dad out of power, along comes Mary II, complete with husband William Of Orange.

In the episode, the first of two on these joint rulers, Charlie Higson looks at Mary's life, along with his 'proper' historian, Dr Jonathan Healey who makes a welcome return to the podcast.

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In this episode, Charlie Higson examines a reign that could be filed under 'Not Very Successful', lasting only 3 years and being ended by his daughter and son-in-law.

Helping Charlie understand our last catholic king is 'proper' historian Rebecca Rideal, author of 1666 Plague War and Hellfire

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And so, after an 11 year gap, Britain goes from puritan republic to the land of randy rakes, headed up by Charles II.

Charlie Higson regales us with the story of a man who loved ladies, laziness and.....well, that was about it really.

And, to make it a triplet of Charles', Lord Charles Spencer author of 'Blenheim' and 'To Catch A King' joins as this episodes 'Proper' Historian.

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There's plenty more time travelling in Ian's book....The Time Traveller's Guide To Restoration Britain

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In this episode Charlie Higson unpicks Cromwell's life and the reasons why we had 11 years without a King or Queen.

His 'proper historian' is Dr Jonathan Healey, author of 'Blazing World - A New History of Revolutionary England'

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What's that? I hear you say - that's not the normal rhyme - what's happened here? Who are these people? Well, this is another special episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee - a sidebar episode, in which we take a look at some of the people in our history who should have come to the throne but never did.

Joining Charlie Higson to find out about these unfortunates is Ashley Mantle, author of Uncrowned - Royal Heirs Who Didn't Take The Throne

Remember to e-mail Charlie with your thoughts on the podcast and any suggestions on areas he should explore, the address is Charlie@WillyWilly.co.uk

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In this Christmas Special episode, Charlie Higson takes us through the many connections the Monarchy has had with Christmas over the years.

Learn about carols you've been singing incorrectly, how early Christmas trees doubled as incendiary devices and hear Charlie and guest Helen Castor discuss one of the greatest seasonal royal films of all time.

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Charles The 1st, a king so bad he got himself executed and almost finished the Monarchy off for good.

But, of course, the story isn't that simple. Luckily for us, Charlie Higson unpicks his life with the help of Leanda De Lisle, historian and author of Henrietta Maria, Conspirator, Warrior, Phoenix Queen.

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As we wave goodbye to the Tudors, we usher in the Stuarts for an episode of plotting, gunpowder or otherwise.

In the 'proper historians' chair this week, we welcome Clare Jackson, author of Devil-land - England Under Siege - 1588 to 1688 and who is currently writing a book on James VI & I

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And what a visit that would be!

It was a time when life was precarious, London was smelly and the next plague was just around the corner!

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Crowned Queen at 18 months old, made Queen Consort of France before being widowed at 18, her 2nd husband was murdered, her 3rd was one of the murderers! Oh and then she was imprisoned for 20 years before being executed.

No wonder so much has been written about her, including the book that spawned a Hollywood movie, 'My Heart Is My Own' by Charlie's guest John Guy.

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Joining Charlie, on an open air stage in front of a large audience, were historian and co-host of The Rest Is History podcast Tom Holland, Have I Got News For You regular and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop and historian Leanda De Lisle.

The topic of discussion? The Best & Worst Monarchs including thoughts from the panel, but also from the audience.

Find our more about the Chalke Valley History Festival here...https://cvhf.org.uk/

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It's part 2 of the story of Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth I and there's a lot to fit in. Plots, suitors, even an Armada and she survives them all.

Joining Charlie Higson as he navigates her life is Tracy Borman, self confessed Elizabeth I super-fan and author of Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen

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Yes, in this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the life of one of the best known of all the Monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I. And it's a long life, so long in fact that it requires 2 episodes to fit it all in.

In Part 1, Charlie takes us from her birth through to taking the throne, helped along by the welcome return of Tracy Borman author of Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen

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Welcome to our first official Queen as Charlie Higson uncovers the life of Mary I, who, as we saw last episode, quickly saw off Lady Jane Grey before equally quickly seeing off the protestant reformation......for a while at least.

But was she really that 'bloody'? To help Charlie find out is his 'proper historian', Alexander Samson, author of Mary & Philip - The Marriage Of Tudor England & Hapsburg Spain

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They say a week is a long time in politics. Well, it's nothing compared to 9 days in the Monarchy and as Charlie Higson discovers, her tale is a tragic one. She didn't even want to be Queen!

Joining him to unravel the tale is Helen Castor author of She-Wolves who returns for one last time to uncover a story of plotting, religious fanaticism and eventually, violence.

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Henry VIII's only legitimate son is crowned King at 9 years old and as Charlie Higson discovers, his should have been the perfect reign, but it will come as no surprise to find out that things didn't go according to plan.

Helping Charlie is this episodes proper historian, Stephen Alford who wrote about Edward for Penguin Books 'Monarch' series as well as authoring his highly acclaimed book 'The Watchers: A Secret History of the Reign of Elizabeth'

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Except you are and sometimes, in ways even more hideous than your lowly subjects.

In this bonus episode, Charlie Higson welcomes Dr Suzie Edge, author of 'Mortal Monarchs - 1,000 Years of Royal Deaths' and 'Vital Organs - The History of the Worlds Most Famous Body Parts' to talk about her work studying the ways Monarchs died.

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Henry VIII gets a second episode in which Charlie Higson tells the story of Katherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Catherine and Katherine. The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

Assisting him on this tumultuous voyage is the husband and wife historical tag-team of Julia Fox & John Guy, authors of Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage that Shook Europe.

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Yes, we usher in Henry VIII.

He ate a lot. He spent a lot. He married a lot.

If that's all you know about the most famous of all our Kings, then listen on as Charlie Higson uncovers Henry's life in the first part of a story that is so epic, it requires.....well......two parts!

Such is Henry's magnitude, one guest is not enough either. In this episode we have two, the formidable husband and wife team of John Guy & Julia Fox, authors of many books on this Monarch including Hunting The Falcon, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage that Shook Europe.

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The book is called Unruly and in this fun episode, Charlie and David compare notes.

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Yes, Charlie Higson's personal history of the Monarchy lands on Henry VII, the victor at the Battle Of Bosworth and our first Tudor King, and it turns out he was a pretty good one!

Joining Charlie is this episodes 'Proper Historian', is Nathen Amin, author of Tudor Wales, The House of Beaufort, and Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders: Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick 

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As we wave goodbye to the Plantagenets and that pesky War Of The Roses, we welcome a new Dynasty, The Tudors.

To help understand where they came from, Charlie chats to Tracy Borman, a proper historian and author of Crown & Sceptre & The Private Lives Of The Tudors.

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Yes, Charlie Higson lands on Richard III.

Was he Dick The Bad or should we celebrate him as one of the good ones?

Here to argue his case is the Chairman of the Richard the Third society, Matt Lewis.

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As he wades through the Wars Of The Roses, Charlie Higson reaches a king whose reign can be measured in days, Edward V.

As one of the two Princes In The Tower along with his brother Richard Of Shrewsbury, Edward's life was short and tragic.

In a departure from the norm, instead of the usual 'proper historian', Charlie invites a fellow history fan to join him, as David Mitchell, author of the forthcoming book Unruly chats all things Edward.

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King Edward IV that's who!

The tale of bloody battles continues as Edward returns for a second stab at the crown as Charlie Higson makes sense of civil wars and the struggle for ultimate power.

This episode's proper historian is James Hawes, author of The Shortest History Of England.

Plus! A special guest historian returns as Helen Castor brings us the sad postscript to the incredible Margaret Of Anjou

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What happens when a King goes wrong? The story of Henry VI and his battles with Edward IV continues as Charlie Higson tells the story of one of history's biggest power struggles. And you thought the Roy family were bad!!

Plus we hear about the formidable Margaret Of Anjou as we welcome back Helen Castor, author of She Wolves, Joan Of Arc & Blood & Roses

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The story of Henry VI is a tangled one, intertwined with Edward IV and, not something to be rushed. So over the next two episodes, Charlie Higson unpicks the story of a man who became king, then was deposed only to become king again, only to be deposed.....again!

It's a fascinating story which takes in a couple of wars, one civil and one against the French and even Joan of Arc makes an appearance.

Helping Charlie make sense of all this is the excellent Helen Castor, author of Joan Of Arc and Blood & Roses

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As you'll hear, Henry was one tough bugger!

Battle Of Agincourt? Easy!

Arrow embedded in your face? 'Tis but a scratch!

His reign was short but he got things done as you'll hear along with Charlie's proper historian this week, Dr Rory Cox, all round Henry V expert and author of Origins Of The Just War.

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Forget what Shakespeare said. In this episode, you'll hear Charlie Higson continue his voyage through history with a story of a King who lived fast and died young without really achieving much, while this episodes proper historian, Ian Mortimer, author of 'The Fears of Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-Made King', argues that Henry was actually genuinely impressive.

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You'd think by now that they'd have got the hang of this whole King thing. What to do. What not to do. Well, they hadn't and Richard II is a good example of the 'What Not To Do' category.

Charlie's proper historian this episode sees the return of Helen Castor, author of 'She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth' who is also working on a new book which looks at Richard II.

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Find out how he contended with fighting the Scots, the French and the Black Death.

Charlie's proper historian this episode is Helen Carr, author of the best-selling The Red Prince: John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.

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As Charlie navigates the Medieval Monarchs, this episode asks the question, what was life really like in The Middle Ages for ordinary folk? Were Monty Python right all along?

Well, no. It's a tale of medical ingenuity, religion and buttons.

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Find out how his disastrous relationships, especially with Piers Gaveston gave rise to his downfall at the hands of his own wife Queen Isabella which led to a particularly unpleasant end.

Charlie's proper historian this episode is Dr Rory Cox, author of Origins of the Just War: Military Ethics and Culture in the Ancient Near East

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Charlie's 'Proper Historian' for this episode is the excellent Marc Morris, author of A Great & Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain

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Was Henry weak and inept while Simon held the real power?

We'll find out as Charlie welcomes this week's proper historian, Sophie Therese Ambler  author of a biography of Simon de Montfort called - The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary and the Death of Chivalry.

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BUT...was he really that bad a King?

Well, yes. He really was. In fact he was worse than we thought.

Find out just how rubbish a monarch he was as Charlie digs into his hopeless life, together with this episode's proper historian, Professor Nick Vincent.

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Noble, considerate and fair.....according to Walt Disney, however Charlie digs a little deeper and finds a King of England who, well, wasn't in England very much.

With guest proper historian, the excellent Dan Jones, author of The Plantagenets & Essex Dogs to help him, Charlie uncovers the REAL Richard I.

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