Ed West Ed West

What Horrible Histories gets wrong about history

(Image: BBC / Horrible Histories)

I love the BBC’s Horrible Histories; in fact, I’m on record as saying it’s among the best things about being a parent. The show, which in its first five seasons starred the six actors who went on to make Ghosts, has engaged children and adults alike with a dry wit that owes much to Blackadder. Go and have children just so you have an excuse to watch it.

One of its highlights is the music, and the most brilliantly crafted songs, works of genius such as the Scorpions-inspired Viking rock anthema song about the Pilgrim Fathers based on ‘Empire State of Mind’, the Kings of Leonesque ‘Alexander’ and the finale to the fifth season, a sort of ‘We Are the World’ tribute. Golden memories of my children’s junior years will always rebound upon hearing them – and thanks to Horrible Histories, countless children across the country can recount the kings and queens of England in a way almost none of my generation are able to do.

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