Willy Willy Harry Stee...

In this episode we reach the point in Charlie Higson's history of the Anglo-Saxon monarchy where we come up against 5 Kings who weren't King very long.

Yes, if Aldi sold Kings, it would be the best offer ever. Buy one, get 5 free!

So settle back and enjoy the (short) stories of Eds – Mund & Red, Edwig, Edgar and Martyred Ned.

And if that offer wasn't good enough, Charlie will throw in expert help from Marc Morris, author of The Anglo-Saxons: A History of The Beginnings Of Britain.

Oh, an...

In this episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson continues to unpick the sometimes confusing world of the Anglo-Saxon Monarchs, helping you to understand your Ethel's from your Athel's.

Here, he gets to grips with Æthelstan, the man often considered The First King Of England.

Find out why with Charlie and his guest James Hawes, author of the brilliant Shortest History Of England.

And do remember that Charlie's book of the first series of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops. Yes! All o...

In the third episode of the new series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson looks at the life of Alfred The Great's successor Edward The Elder.

But if you look at Edward, you also have to explore the incredible parallel life and leadership of his sister Æthelflæd, the Lady of the Mercians.

Joining Charlie to uncover this fascinating story of sibling collaboration and rivalry, is Joanna Arman, author of The Warrior Queen: The Life and Legend Of Æthelflæd, Daughter Of Alfred The Great.

Also don't forget that Char...

History shows that when you've got a name like 'Alfred The Great', you're possibly not quite as 'great' as some might think, however when it comes to Alfred, it seems he earned his nickname for many reasons, as Charlie Higson discovers in episode 2 of this new series.

Helping Charlie fact-check Alfred's greatness is Justin Pollard, Historian, TV producer and author of Alfred The Great: The Man Who Made England

And do remember that Charlie's book of the first series of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW in all book shops...

So here it is. Another chance to hear series two of Willy Willy Harry Stee and Charlie Higson is going to start by going back and looking at the pre-Norman Kings of England, the Saxons and the Vikings.

In this introductory episode, Charlie lays the groundwork for the appearance of Alfred The Great, to come in the next podcast.

It has all the thrills and excitement of a Hollywood blockbuster!

And do remember that Charlie's book of the first series of the podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is available NOW...

After 42 monarchs and 66 episodes, Charlie Higson reached the end of the rhyme that he learned in school and in this special overview episode, Charlie discusses the winners, the losers, whether it's changed his view of the monarchy and the startling similarity between the Royals and the Corleones.

And do remember 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...

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 and Lizzie II....and Charlie Next To See Us Through......

And so, just over a year after he began, Charlie Higson reaches the end of his rhyme, though not the en...

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....and Lizzie II

This episode is a first in that it deals with a Queen that some of us might actually have met. Charlie Higson did, albeit briefly and here, he...

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....an...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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......

Yes, in this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the life of one of the best known of all the Monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I. And it's a long life, so long in fact that it requires 2 episodes to fit it all in.

In Part 1, Charlie takes us from her birth through to taking the throne, helped along by the welcome...

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.......

Welcome to our first official Queen as Charlie Higson uncovers the life of Mary I, who, as we saw last episode, quickly saw off Lady Jane Grey before equally quickly seeing off the protestant reformation......for a while at least.

But was she really that 'bloody'? To help Charlie find out is his 'proper historian', Alexander Samson, author of...

Willy Willy Harry Stee..........actually, we'll stop there for this episode. The lady in question was Queen, but only for 9 days and apart from a small apologetic addendum at the end of some versions of the rhyme, Lady Jane Grey doesn't get a mention.

They say a week is a long time in politics. Well, it's nothing compared to 9 days in the Monarchy and as Charlie Higson discovers, her tale is a tragic one. She didn't even want to be Queen!

Joining him to unravel the tale is Helen Castor author of She-Wolves...

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

Henry VIII's only legitimate son is crowned King at 9 years old and as Charlie Higson discovers, his should have been the perfect reign, but it will come as no surprise to find out that things didn't go according to plan.

Helping Charlie is this episodes proper historian, Stephen Alford who wrote about Edward for Penguin Books 'Monarch' series as well...

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.......

Henry VIII gets a second episode in which Charlie Higson tells the story of Katherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Catherine and Katherine. The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

Assisting him on this tumultuous voyage is the husband and wife historical tag-team of Julia Fox & John Guy, authors of Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage that Shook Europe.

The...

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.......

Yes, we usher in Henry VIII.

He ate a lot. He spent a lot. He married a lot.

If that's all you know about the most famous of all our Kings, then listen on as Charlie Higson uncovers Henry's life in the first part of a story that is so epic, it requires.....well......two parts!

Such is Henry's magnitude...

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.......

Yes, Charlie Higson's personal history of the Monarchy lands on Henry VII, the victor at the Battle Of Bosworth and our first Tudor King, and it turns out he was a pretty good one!

Joining Charlie is this episodes 'Proper Historian', is Nathen Amin, author of Tudor Wales, The House of Beaufort, and Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders: Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick  

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!

Yes, Charlie Higson lands on Richard III.

Was he Dick The Bad or should we celebrate him as one of the good ones?

Here to argue his case is the Chairman of the Richard the Third society, Matt Lewis.

Also don't forget that Charlie's book of this podcast, Willie Willie Harry Stee is out now, with illustrations by Jim Moir...

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....

As he wades through the Wars Of The Roses, Charlie Higson reaches a king whose reign can be measured in days, Edward V.

As one of the two Princes In The Tower along with his brother Richard Of Shrewsbury, Edward's life was short and tragic.

In a departure from the norm, instead of the usual 'proper historian', Charlie invites a fellow history fan to join him...

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........then who?

King Edward IV that's who!

The tale of bloody battles continues as Edward returns for a second stab at the crown as Charlie Higson makes sense of civil wars and the struggle for ultimate power.

This episode's proper historian is James Hawes, author of The Shortest History Of England.

Plus! A special guest historian returns as Helen Castor brings us the sad postscript to the incredible...

Willy Willy Harry Stee, Harry Dick John Harry Three, One Two Three Neds, Richard Two, Henry's Four Five Six.........

What happens when a King goes wrong? The story of Henry VI and his battles with Edward IV continues as Charlie Higson tells the story of one of history's biggest power struggles. And you thought the Roy family were bad!!

Plus we hear about the formidable Margaret Of Anjou as we welcome back Helen Castor, author of She Wolves, Joan Of Arc & Blood & Roses and do remember that Charlie's book of the podcast, Willi...