Robert Dudley is HOT

December 20, 2012 5:23 AM

Horrible Histories, the historical sketch show on the BBC inspired by the books of the same name, has been featured previously on Metafilter. Not mentioned, however, were the real gems of the show, Historical Desktops [MLYT]:

Cleopatra uses social networking, Henry the Eighth sets up the Church of England, King Aethelred II pays off the Vikings, Queen Elizabeth I arranges her love life, King John frets about his unpopularity.

posted by primer_dimer (10 comments total)

Thank you, primer_dimer! Especially for the Henry VIII/C of E link -- I was trying to explain Henry's various marriages to my 9-year-old, and our conversation strongly resembled the "Who's On First?" sketch. He loves "Horrible Histories" and this will make much more sense to him.
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:41 AM on December 20, 2012

The King Aethelred II pays off the Vikings video was great. I'll have to watch the rest of these when I get home.
posted by NoMich at 5:51 AM on December 20, 2012

I went to the main Horrible Histories and discovered that none of the media links would play. Do I need to send someone my license fee?
posted by hwestiii at 5:59 AM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

This is what I love about the English; living on a miserable (but lovely) little wet island truly gives them an appreciation for the morbid side of life.
posted by cthuljew at 6:40 AM on December 20, 2012

Lords Seeking Ladies
Ladies Seeking Lords
Peasants Seeking Anyone
posted by ominous_paws at 8:03 AM on December 20, 2012 [2 favorites]

King John, re: Magna Carta "Terms and conditions...no one reads those do they."
posted by bryghtrose at 8:47 AM on December 20, 2012

I can't decide if this is satire or a translation for a modern audience.
posted by happyroach at 8:58 AM on December 20, 2012 [2 favorites]

Horrible Histories!! When I was in elementary school we had English family friends, and getting to borrow those totally rocked my world.
posted by threeants at 9:49 AM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

Those are great, thanks.
posted by Daddy-O at 10:01 AM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

Oh finally, I was able to show my husband King John's desktop wallpaper.

"See? See? It's cheezburger cat! But he's roast swan cat! He can haz!"

Meanwhile, my 7-year-old nephew's Christmas present was five Horrible History books, with a promise that he'll be sent a new one every month in 2013 (with four for his birthday).

I am either going to be the coolest aunt ever, or the aunt who got her nephew in trouble at school for "inappropriate literature".
posted by Katemonkey at 12:13 PM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]