Willy Willy Harry Stee...

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 Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, then Edward, George and Ned The Eighth, quickly goes and Abdicat’th... Then Comes George 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 . Oh, and do note that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops, in Paperback!. 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, Edward, George..... and Ned The Eighth, quickly goes and Abdicath... 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. Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now in Paperback, 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, Edward, George..... 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. Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now in Paperback, 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria, Then Comes Edward..... 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, and do r emember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Yes! All of them! And now in Paperback form too! Perfect for the beach!, or the pool, or the rain soaked bus shelter in Tiverton. 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William and Victoria! 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. Speaking of Books, Charlie's book, WIllie WIllie Harry Stee is available to buy, read, enjoy and other things you might use books for. In paperback too! 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges, William..... 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 and do r emember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Yes! All of them! And now in Paperback form too! Perfect for the beach!, or the pool, or the rain soaked bus shelter in Cleethorpes. 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges..... 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. Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is now available in Paperback, 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges..... 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. Oh, and do note that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops, in Paperback!. 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges..... 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. 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges..... 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' and do r emember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Yes! All of them! And now in Paperback form too! Perfect for the beach!, or the pool, or the rain soaked bus shelter in Whitby. 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria, Four Georges..... 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. Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now in Paperback, 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary, Anna Gloria..... 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. Also don't forget that Charlie's paperback 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary....... 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, and do r emember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Yes! All of them! And now in Paperback form too! Perfect for the beach!, or the pool, or the rain soaked bus shelter in Whitby. 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, Charlie Charlie, James again. William & Mary....... 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. Of course, you might prefer to read about William & Mary, in which case you should grab a copy of Willie WIllie Harry Stee , the Paperback, out now! 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, Charlie Charlie, James again....... 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 Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is now available in Paperback, 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, Charlie Charlie..... 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. 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.

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 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, 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.