Homeschool History

About

Fun history lessons for all the family, presented by Horrible Histories' Greg Jenner. Full of facts and jokes, the series brings to life a broad range of historical topics, many linked to the school curriculum. Homeschool Histories is made by the producers of the much-loved Radio 4 podcast You're Dead To Me.

Episodes

• Mary Seacole 2021-03-22

  This Homeschool History episode focuses on Mary Seacole. It covers her life in Jamaica, her business managing the British Hotel in Crimea, and her volunteer work caring for injured soldiers there, which earned her the nickname Mother Seaco…

• Life in Roman Pompeii 2021-03-15

  Greg Jenner explores life in Roman Pompeii for Homeschool History, sharing archeological discoveries about daily routines, including hygiene and food, with historical consultant Professor Mary Beard.

• Mary Anning 2021-03-08

  Greg Jenner hosts a Homeschool History episode on palaeontologist Mary Anning. Despite facing barriers due to her gender and social standing, her significant contributions to palaeontology were later recognized, leading to her being voted…

• The Scottish Wars of Independence 2021-03-01

  Greg Jenner hosts a history lesson on the Scottish Wars of Independence, covering the conflict's origins, strategic considerations like bridge battles, and an unexpected link to spiders. The episode features historical consultation by Dr I…

• Ancient Egyptian Religion 2021-02-22

  Greg Jenner discusses Ancient Egyptian religion, covering the various gods, belief systems, and the path to the after-life. The episode touches on mummification as a transformative process.

• William Shakespeare 2021-02-15

  Greg Jenner travels to 16th century England to discuss the life of William Shakespeare. The episode covers his rise from a glove maker's son to a renowned theatre owner, actor, and writer, and explores life in a Shakespearean theatre.

• Leonardo da Vinci 2021-02-08

  Greg Jenner explores the life of Leonardo da Vinci, highlighting his fame as the artist behind the Mona Lisa and his visionary inventions.

• The Great Fire of London 2021-02-01

  This episode of Homeschool History covers the Great Fire of London, examining the reasons for its rapid spread and slow response. Greg Jenner discusses why the fire wasn't extinguished immediately and why rebuilding efforts did not create…

• The First Emperor of China 2020-07-06

  This episode of Homeschool History with Greg Jenner explores the life of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first Emperor of China. It covers the discovery of the Terracotta Army, his unification of China, and his search for immortality.

• Cleopatra 2020-06-29

  Greg Jenner explores the life and reign of Queen Cleopatra in Ancient Egypt, covering the reasons she faced limitations in her rule and intriguing personal anecdotes.

• The Stone Age 2020-06-22

  Greg Jenner explores the Stone Age, focusing on the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands. This perfectly preserved ancient site can still be visited today.

• Roman Gladiators 2020-06-15

  Greg Jenner explores the world of Roman Gladiators, covering the advantages and disadvantages of their lives, how Spartacus's rebellion influenced their conditions, and details about their arena food.

• Mansa Musa 2020-06-08

  Greg Jenner explores the life of Mansa Musa, ruler of the Mali Empire, detailing his legendary pilgrimage to Mecca and his significant impact on global trade, academia, and architecture.

• The Battle of Hastings 2020-06-01

  Greg Jenner provides a history lesson on the Battle of Hastings, discussing the key figures like Harold and William and the events of 1066. The episode also touches on the consequences of actions taken just before the battle.

• Florence Nightingale 2020-05-25

  This episode of Homeschool History features Greg Jenner discussing Florence Nightingale. It covers her path to nursing, her care for soldiers, and her later advocacy for healthcare reform.

• Pocahontas 2020-05-18

  This episode of Homeschool History with Greg Jenner examines the life of Pocahontas, detailing her capture by British colonists and her subsequent journey to England. It aims to separate historical accuracy from the well-known Disney versi…

• Charles Dickens 2020-05-11

  Greg Jenner explores the life of Charles Dickens for Homeschool History, covering his childhood factory work and his iconic novels such as Oliver Twist and Great Expectations.

• Mary Queen of Scots 2020-05-04

  Greg Jenner explores the turbulent life of Mary Queen of Scots for Homeschool History, covering her journey from a six-day-old queen to an executed 16th-century monarch. The episode details the challenges she faced throughout her life.

• The Space Race 2020-04-27

  Greg Jenner hosts a Homeschool History episode on the space race, covering the 20th-century competition between the USA and USSR. The discussion includes the journey to the Moon, canine astronauts, and the practicalities of spacecraft sani…

• The Restoration 2020-04-20

  Greg Jenner hosts a Homeschool History episode on 17th-century Britain, covering Charles II's restoration, his 'Merry Monarch' nickname due to frequent parties, and his response to Parliament executing his father.

• Welcome to Homeschool History 2020-04-15

  Greg Jenner launches the Homeschool History series, providing enjoyable history lessons designed for family participation.