Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick....... In this episode, Charlie Higson explores Richard I, or to give him his popular name Richard The Lionheart.

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

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

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry......yes, Charlie Higson reaches Monarch number 5 in the shape of Henry II, a man who fought and married his way to the top only for his wife and sons to rebel against him and start a revolt.

What would you do?

Well in this episode you'll find out exactly what Henry II did and how he did it.

Helen Castor, author of 'She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth' is Charlie's guest 'proper' historian.

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.

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

The saga continues as Charlie Higson brings you the story of Stephen & Matilda.

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

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

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