Episodes

• 2021

• Mary Seacole

  Join Greg Jenner for a fun Homeschool History lesson on the life of Mary Seacole. Follow her adventures as she travels the world in her ambition to always care for others. From life as the daughter of a hotelier in Jamaica to owner of the famous British Hotel in Crimea, where she volunteered to set up a business caring for injured soldiers, earning her the name Mother Seacole. The Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
  March 22, 2021

  14 min

• Life in Roman Pompeii

  Join Greg Jenner for a fun Homeschool History lesson on life in Roman Pompeii, as we share what archeologists have discovered from the town that was frozen in time 2000 years ago. How did they brush their teeth? What was the name of the local pub? And just how do we know so much about what they ate? Historical Consultant: Professor Mary Beard. Produced by Abi Paterson Scripted by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research Assistance by Hannah MacKenzie An Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
  March 15, 2021

  13 min

• Mary Anning

  Join Greg Jenner for a fun homeschool history lesson on the life of palaeontologist Mary Anning. Due to her gender and social standing, Mary’s vast contributions to palaeontology were often overlooked by the science community during her lifetime. She has since been voted one of the most influential women in the history of science. Historical Consultant: Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes Produced by Abi Paterson Scripted by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research Assistance by Hannah MacKenzie An Athletic production for BBC Radio 4
  March 8, 2021

  13 min

• The Scottish Wars of Independence

  Join Greg Jenner for a fun history lesson on the medieval Scottish Wars of Independence. Why couldn’t England and Scotland get along? Why should you never battle on a bridge? And what one Earth does a spider have to do with anything? Historical Consultant: Dr Iain MacInnes Produced by Abi Paterson Scripted by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Research Assistance by Hannah MacKenzie A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4
  March 1, 2021

  15 min

• Ancient Egyptian Religion

  Join Greg Jenner for a fun homeschool history lesson exploring the many Gods and belief systems of Ancient Egypt. In a world of hippo-crocs and party cows (yes really!) discover how the path to the after-life was determined by the goodness of your heart and how mummification was really all about transformation and not preservation.
  February 22, 2021

  14 min

• William Shakespeare

  Join Greg Jenner in 16th century England to meet the bard himself, one of England's greatest writers, William Shakespeare. How did he go from the son of a glove maker in Stratford Upon Avon to a famed theatre owner, actor and writer in London? What was life really like in a Shakespearean theatre? And which Disney film was influenced by his work hundreds of years later? Produced by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4
  February 15, 2021

  14 min

• Leonardo da Vinci

  Join Greg Jenner in 15th-century Italy to meet Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most influential artists to ever live. While Leonardo is renowned for creating the Mona Lisa, the most famous painting in the world, he was also a fantastic inventor and dreamed up all kinds of marvellous creations that wouldn’t become reality for another 500 years. Script: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Historical Consultant: Professor Catherine Fletcher Research Assistant: Hannah MacKenzie Producer: Abi Paterson Produced by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4
  February 8, 2021

  13 min

• The Great Fire of London

  Join Greg Jenner in 17th-century London as an out of control fire razes much of the city to the ground. Why did it spread so quickly? Why wasn't it extinguished immediately? And why didn't anyone make the most of the opportunity to build a better London? The Historical Consultant for this episode was Rebecca Rideal. Produced by Abi Paterson Scripted by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Research Assistance by Hannah MacKenzie A production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4
  February 1, 2021

  14 min
• 2020

• The First Emperor of China

  Join host Greg Jenner and travel back over 2,000 years to meet the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Learn all about the discovery of his world famous Terracotta Army, the fierce lengths he went to in order to unify China and why he was so fixated on discovering the secret to eternal life. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Abi Paterson Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Dr Leon Rocha A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  July 6, 2020

  17 min

• Cleopatra

  Join Greg Jenner in Ancient Egypt to meet the famous Queen Cleopatra. Learn all about her remarkable reign, the reason she was prevented from ruling alone, and why she once had to make an entrance wrapped in a duvet. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Abi Paterson Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Dr Joyce Tyldesley A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  June 29, 2020

  15 min

• The Stone Age

  Join Greg Jenner in The Stone Age and meet the Neolithic people of Skara Brae - a perfectly preserved ancient settlement discovered in the Orkney Islands, which can still be seen today. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Abi Paterson Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Prof Mike Parker Pearson A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  June 22, 2020

  15 min

• Roman Gladiators

  Join Greg Jenner in Ancient Rome to meet the Gladiators. Discover the pros and cons of life as a Gladiator, how the rebellion of Spartacus led to improved conditions in Gladiator schools and learn your Samnites from your Retiarius. We will even tell you what the snack of choice was inside the arena! Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Abi Paterson Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Professor Michael Scott A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  June 15, 2020

  16 min

• Mansa Musa

  Join Greg Jenner in medieval West Africa for a fun homeschool history lesson on Mansa Musa, ruler of the Mali Empire and the richest man to ever live. Hear the story of his legendary pilgrimage to Mecca, how his generosity once devalued gold in Cairo, and how his leadership impacted the world through trade, academia and architecture. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Abi Paterson Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Dr Sirio Canós-Donnay A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  June 8, 2020

  15 min

• The Battle of Hastings

  Join Greg Jenner for a fun homeschool history lesson on The Battle of Hastings. Examine the events and all the key players in the lead up to 1066 - Harold, William, Tostig and even the Viking Hulk! Also discover why it’s never a good idea to be a bit of a show off in front of the British troops just before a big battle. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Abi Paterson Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Dr Marc Morris A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  June 1, 2020

  15 min

• Florence Nightingale

  Join Greg Jenner for a fun homeschool history lesson on the woman who changed the face of healthcare forever, Florence Nightingale. Learn about how she forged her own path to become a nurse, the obstacles she had to overcome to care for troops overseas and how she continued to fight for healthcare reform in her pyjamas. It’s time to meet the lady with the lamp. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Ben Green Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Melissa Chatton from The Florence Nightingale Museum A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  May 25, 2020

  15 min

• Pocahontas

  Join Greg Jenner for a homeschool history lesson on Pocahontas, a Native American woman and daughter of prominent leader Wahunsenacawh, who was captured by British colonists in the 17th century and brought to England. You’ve seen Disney’s Pocahontas, but how much of it is true? Tune in and find out. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Ben Green Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Dr Misha Ewen Native American Pamunkey advisor: Ethan Brown of the Pamunkey tribe. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  May 18, 2020

  16 min

• Charles Dickens

  We all know he wrote the original Muppet Christmas Carol, but what else is there to know about Charles Dickens? From a childhood working in the factories of Victorian London, to becoming a literary superstar with books such as Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, join Greg Jenner for a homeschool history lesson on one of the most iconic authors of all time. You’ll be left wanting more (sir). Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Ben Green Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Dr Emily Bell A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  May 11, 2020

  16 min

• Mary Queen of Scots

  What would you do if you became Queen when you were six days old, all your friends were called Mary, and your brother (and a lot of other powerful people) kept trying to ruin your life? Welcome to the life of Mary Queen of Scots. From Baby Queen to Executed Martyr, join Greg Jenner for a homeschool history lesson on one of the most magnificent monarchs of the 16th century. Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Ben Green Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Professor Kate Williams A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  May 4, 2020

  16 min

• The Space Race

  Join host Greg Jenner as he skyrockets back to the 20th century for a homeschool history lesson on the space race. From ancient Assyrian astrology to modern spacecraft, we explore how superpowers Russia (Team USSR) and America (Team USA) raced each other into space, aiming to be the first to land a man on the Moon. But don't worry, we’ll also cover the really important stuff like which dogs went into orbit and the dangers of going to the toilet in a spacecraft. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  April 27, 2020

  15 min

• The Restoration

  Join host Greg Jenner for a rambunctious romp through 17th century Britain to learn all about Charles II and the restoration of the monarchy. As well as finding out where to get the best cup of coffee in Resoration London, we’ll discover why Charles II was known as the Merry Monarch (spoiler - there’s lots of parties) and how he reacted when Parliament decided to chop off his Dad’s head. Join us for a homeschool history lesson on the ultimate King of Bling. A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4
  April 20, 2020

  15 min