Homeschool History

Latest Episodes:

The Stone Age Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

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

Roman Gladiators Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

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

Mansa Musa Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

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

The Battle of Hastings Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

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

Florence Nightingale May 25, 2020

Show notes

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

Pocahontas May 18, 2020

Show notes

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

Charles Dickens May 11, 2020

Show notes

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

Mary Queen of Scots May 04, 2020

Show notes

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

The Space Race Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

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.

Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Ben Green Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Dr Tom Ellis A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

The Restoration Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

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 Restoration 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.

Presented by Greg Jenner Produced by Ben Green Script by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Emma Nagouse Historical consultant: Rebecca Rideal

A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4