Willy Willy Harry Stee...

Willy Willy, Harry......er.....no. This one doesn't fit into the rhyme, BUT, after lopping Charles I's head off, Oliver Cromwell abolished the Monarchy and led the country himself, so he's a worthy inclusion.

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'

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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Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain, Charlie......

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.

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

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie, James The Vain.......

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

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

Once again, the 'Willy Willy' rhyme takes a back seat as Charlie Higson digs into the extraordinary life of Mary, Queen Of Scots.

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.

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

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who? Edward Four Five...Dick The Bad, Harry's Twain and Ned The Lad, Mary, Bessie......

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

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