British Comedy Guide
Horrible Histories. Image shows from L to R: Gemma Whelan, Ryan Sampson, Tom Stourton
Horrible Histories

Horrible Histories

  • TV sketch show
  • CBBC / BBC One
  • 2009 - 2024
  • 139 episodes (10 series)

Hit sketch show based on surprising facts from world history, inspired by the hit children's book series. Stars Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Ben Willbond, Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas and more.

  • Due to return for Series 11
  • Special repeated Saturday at 1:15pm on CBBC
  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 515

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Crooked King John And The Magna Carta

Featuring Ben Miller in the title role, Horrible Histories looks at the life and reign of King John (1166-1216).

Preview clips

Further details

Horrible Histories. King John (Ben Miller). Copyright: Lion Television / Citrus Television

King John was one of the most rotten rulers of the lot, whose life was dominated by fights with English noblemen. This episode will explore what was happening in the world during King John's life, such as the rise of Genghis Khan, and the Crusades as well as looking at the King himself, as he went from problem child to angry adult and how, just a year before his rotten death, he signed the Magna Carta in 1215 - the greatest thing to come out of his reign and a document that still affects our lives today.

Broadcast details

Date
Saturday 7th February 2015
Time
5:15pm
Channel
BBC Two
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Jim Howick Various
Simon Farnaby Various
Tom Stourton Various
Adam Riches Various
Naz Osmanoglu Various
Jalaal Hartley Various
Jessica Ransom Various
Jon Culshaw Various (Voice)
Louise Ford Ensemble Actor
Lawry Lewin Ensemble Actor
John Eccleston Rattus Rattus
Guest cast
Ben Miller King John
Jason Lewis Ensemble Actor
Dan Li Ensemble Actor
Writing team
Ben Ward Writer
Dave Cohen Writer
Lucy Clarke Writer
Gerard Foster Writer
Steve Punt Writer
George Sawyer Writer
Daniel Peak Writer
Benjamin Partridge Writer
Dan Maier (as Daniel Maier) Writer (Additional Material)
Ben Ward Script Editor
George Sawyer Script Editor
Production team
Simon Gibney Director
Ian Curtis Director
Tom Miller Series Producer
Melissa Hardinge Executive Producer
Bill Hobbins Executive Producer
Richard Bradley Executive Producer
Adam Windmill Editor
Will Peverett Editor
Miranda Jones Production Designer
Richie Webb Composer
Tim Searle Animation

Video

Magna Carta song

King John explains The Magna Carta... via a song.

Featuring: Lawry Lewin, Ben Miller (King John), Tom Stourton, Adam Riches, Jalaal Hartley & Jessica Ransom.

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