Horrible Histories
Season 9
2021 • 15 Episodes
Historical sketch show, based on the successful books by Terry Deary.
Episodes
1. British Black History
April 30, 2021
Horrible Histories charts the contribution of Black people to British life throughout history. How did African soldiers come to be guarding Hadrian’s Wall? Why was a West African diver asked to help salvage Henry VIII's ship, the Mary Rose? And the actor Ira Aldridge tells us how he came to leave New York to find fame in 19th-century England.
2. Gruesome Guide To Growing Up
July 7, 2021
Life wasn’t always fun for children in the past. Horrible Histories delves into the not-so-easy lives of children throughout history, from the strict parenting of ancient civilisations, to the terrible fights the young King Louis XIV had with his little brother - even weeing on each other's beds! And find out just why Henry VIII was so keen for his son Edward VI to stay inside.
3. Protesting With Pankhurst
August 20, 2021
Protests about inequality or environmental damage are common today, but how have people protested in the past? Emmeline Pankhurst is our guide through this history of protest, from Cato the Younger’s talkative protest in ancient Rome to the cheese riots of 18th-century Nottingham. Also, how will the Luddites cope with the newfangled technology of a video call?
4. Precious Planet
November 1, 2021
Charles Darwin presents a special show, as Horrible Histories takes a timely look at our planet and how we’ve behaved towards it throughout history. We look at how we’ve not always treated the planet's resources with the utmost care, from the 19th-century gold rush, to Henry VIII enjoying a little too much deforestation to build his warships.
5. Dastardly Dance
November 26, 2021
Strictly’s Shirley Ballas joins Rattus for a waltz through the history of dance, with Bruno Tonioli as Nero, who had his dance teacher killed, and Queen Vic’s Highland reel!
6. Cracking Christmas
December 10, 2021
Horrible Histories brings you a cracking Christmas special, delving into the origins of the festive season.
7. Foul Feasting
January 7, 2022
Horrible Histories serves up the history of foul feasting, from Stone Age lentils to Queen Victoria’s anti-fart bread.
8. Infectious Influencers
January 14, 2022
From Cleopatra’s hairdo to Elizabeth I’s flushing loo, meet history’s biggest Influencers.
9. Banging Bling
January 21, 2022
From Henry VIII’s wine fountain, to Empress Dowager’s marble boat, Horrible Histories talks money, jewellery and untold treasures.
10. Diabolical Daily Life
January 28, 2022
Daily life can be a bit of a grind, but not as much as it was in the past! Rattus takes us round the clock, revealing daily routines throughout history, from waking in Ancient Egypt to Medieval Loo Man.
11. Monstrous Myths
February 4, 2022
Count Rattula guides us through some of history’s greatest myths and monsters, including Henry VIII’s Robin Hood obsession and ancient ghostbusters.
12. Henry and Liz's Family Face-Off
February 11, 2022
Terrible Tudors King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I bicker about who was the best ruler. Henry had a mechanical dragon kite, but Liz had a flushing toilet.
13. Cursed Careers
February 18, 2022
Rattus considers a career change, and luckily he has the whole of history to look through for ideas. Could he be an inventor like Babbage, or is the pirate life for him?
14. Smash Hit Songs
February 25, 2022
Rattus has an idea that might make him millions – he is going to launch a streaming service. However, to make Ratify a success, he is going to need some great songs from history.
15. Big BBC Birthday Bonanza
October 15, 2022
An animated special, celebrating BBC's birthday.