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
  • Series 9, Episode 14 repeated at 6:25pm on CBBC
  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 818

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Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 6

Outlandish Georgian beauty tips, a Roman Galley safety announcement and made-up monsters and bizarre cures for the Black Death from the Measly Middle Ages are just some of the comedy treats featured in this week's feast of funny historical sketches.

Further details

More pastiches of familiar television formats help to explain historical events; an advert for Victorian Claims Direct details some of the injuries Victorian children faced in the workplace; and Greek Myth Talk puts Greek God Cronus and his family on the spot in a daytime talk show. Also, in Historical Wife Swap, the Georgian Lord and Lady Posh from the Manor swap with the Peasant family of Poorville.

This week's Fairy Tale is The Old Woman Who Lived In The Shoe - the First World War version - and a witty song reveals that lead paint, false eyebrows made of mouse skin and hair-raising wigs were all essential parts of a gorgeous Georgian lady's beauty routine.

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 21st May 2009
Time
4:35pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Jim Howick Various
Simon Farnaby Various
Ben Willbond Various
Mathew Baynton Various
Martha Howe-Douglas Various
Sarah Hadland Various
Jon Culshaw Various (Voice)
Jess Robinson Various (Voice)
Meera Syal Self
Javone Prince Ensemble Actor
John Eccleston Rattus Rattus
Guest cast
George Sawyer Ensemble Actor
Writing team
Ben Ward Writer
Laurence Rickard Writer
George Sawyer Writer
Greg Jenner Writer
Simon Littlefield Writer
Production team
Steve Connelly Director
Chloe Thomas Director
Caroline Norris Series Producer
Giles Pilbrow Producer
Dominic Brigstocke Producer
Richard Bradley Executive Producer
Kim Shillinglaw Executive Producer
Charlie Fawcett Editor
Michelle Turkington Editor
Miranda Jones Production Designer
Richie Webb Composer
Matt Katz Composer

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