SUMMARY:
A special episode about William the Conqueror, starring Kevin Eldon. We meet young William, Duke of Normandy, as he quarrels with Harold Godwinson about who should be king of England, before bashing the English and taking the crown at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066! Meanwhile, across the world, we discover the advanced medieval Chinese technology and meet one of the world's first scientists in Egypt.
ORIGINAL AIRDATE:
Monday 1st June 2015
Jim Howick
Simon Farnaby
Lawry Lewin
Dominique Moore
Louise Ford
Jason Lewis
Dan Li
WRITTEN BY:
Dave Cohen
Howard Davison
Justin Edwards
Benjamin Partridge
Daniel Peak
Howard Read
George Sawyer
Joe Tucker
Raphael Warner
Ben Ward
Daniel Maier
EDITORS: Adam Windmill, Will Peverett
PRODUCERS: Tom Miller, Joshua Grant, Kelly Li, Henri Ward
DIRECTORS: Simon Gibney, Ian Curtis
PUPPETEER: John Eccleston ANIMATION: Tim Searle, Studio 43
COMPOSER: Richie Webb HISTORICAL CONSULTANT: Greg Jenner
ADDITIONAL VOICES: Jon Culshaw
Detail from the Bayeux Tapestry 11th Century by special permission of the city of Bayeux
STARRING:
Kevin Eldon
Jalaal Hartley
Tom Stourton
Jessica Ransom
Adam Riches
Naz Osmanoglu
FULL DESCIPTION:
A special episode about William the Conqueror, starring Kevin Eldon. We meet young William, Duke of Normandy, as he quarrels with Harold Godwinson about who should be king of England, before bashing the English and taking the crown at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066! Meanwhile, across the world, we discover Chinese technology light years ahead of the dunderheaded Normans and Saxons in England, and meet one of the world's first scientists in Egypt. With, of course, our host Rattus to guide the way!
SKETCHES:
The Normans
After King Edward promises the throne to both of his sons, Harold and William, things aren’t made very easy!
Television series trailer
William and Harold hang out
Despite being rivals to the throne, William and Harold hang out together as brothers, despite Harold being forced to swear an oath
Historical Desktops: William the Conqueror
William organizes his invasion after learning things hadn’t gone to plan and Harold is King of England
History’s Craziest Fools: William the Conqueror
Wicked William makes his first mistake when landing in England
Battle of the Day: The Battle of Hastings
The most famous battle in history kicks off as the Saxons fight the Normans in Hastings, 1066
SONG: Norman Style
William and his Normans invaded England in 1066, bringing a nasty Norman rule to the country, building castles, riding horses… and a lot of fighting too!
Let’s Blow Stuff Up!
Some of the many explosive things made by the Ancient Chinese get blown up!
Amazing Scientists: Ibn al-Haytham
The man who is seen as the world’s first true scientist, Ibn al-Haytham, explains some of his great ideas and why he must act crazily
Let’s Talk About Art: The Bayeux Tapestry
Brian Gruel goes to see the making of the tapestry-or rather embroidery-and soon learns the truth behind the masterpiece.
The Great Saxon Bake Off
One Saxon peasant serves up the only thing she can when the harvest isn’t ready-rye bread, with added madness as a side-effect
Waiting for William I to die
William’s servants’ attempts to loot him after his death turn into a game of statues
Chatty Deaths: King William the Conqueror
Death displeases William with the details of his gory funeral
SONG: Norman Style
Parody of "Gangnam Style" by Psy
William and his Normans invaded England in 1066, bringing a nasty Norman rule to the country, building castles, riding horses… and a lot of fighting too!
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