Ep 11. Episode 11

In the 11th episode of Horrible Histories season 1, viewers are transported to medieval times where they learn about the life and times of William the Conqueror. The episode is a mix of skits, songs, and interesting facts that are intended to entertain and educate.

The show opens with a skit featuring William the Conqueror and his Norman army set to conquer England. We see the Normans getting ready for the invasion and William's excitement at the prospect of becoming king. The skit is full of humor, with Norman soldiers sneezing from the hay they use as bedding, and William boasting about his new haircut.

Next, we are introduced to the Bayeux Tapestry, an important historical artifact that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest. The episode explains the significance of the tapestry and how it was made. We also learn that the tapestry is not actually a tapestry but an embroidery.

Moving on, the episode explores the legacy of William the Conqueror. We learn that his descendants include every monarch of England and Scotland since his reign. The skit features a family tree that shows the lineage of the British royal family from William the Conqueror to Queen Elizabeth II. The segment also highlights William's contributions to architecture and education, including the construction of the famous Tower of London and Oxford University.

The next skit is one of the funniest in the episode, featuring a jester called Stupid who tries to persuade William to take over the world. The skit is full of slapstick humor and puns, and Stupid's antics are guaranteed to make viewers laugh. We also learn about William's battle with King Harold and the events that led up to the Battle of Hastings.

The episode switches gears to discuss the life of people in medieval times. We learn about the roles of knights, peasants, and monks. A song is dedicated to the monks and their daily routines. The show's humor is evident in this segment, with the monks singing about their love for beer and their preference for sleeping in late.

Another informative segment is dedicated to the medieval cottage industry. We learn about how people in medieval times made everyday items, such as clothes, using simple tools and techniques. The episode features a funny skit where a family makes a dress for their daughter using a spinning wheel and a loom.

In the final segment of the episode, viewers are introduced to the concept of the Doomsday Book, a record of property ownership and taxes compiled under William the Conqueror. The episode explains the historical importance of the Doomsday book and how it was used in medieval society. The skit features a man who is unhappy about his property taxes and tries to convince the tax collector that his house is actually a boat.

Overall, Episode 11 is an entertaining and educational episode of Horrible Histories that takes viewers on a journey through medieval times. The mix of skits, songs, and factual information is well-balanced and engaging. Viewers of all ages are sure to be entertained by this episode.