Ep 12. Episode 12

Horrible Histories is a comedy sketch show that aims to educate its young audience about the darker, gruesomer parts of history, with a particular focus on the comically gruesome side of things.

Season 2, Episode 12 continues the show's tradition of bringing to life fascinating and macabre moments from history, with sketches on everything from epic sea battles to the creation of the Great Fire of London.

One memorable segment of the episode centers around a group of Dutch traders who are eager to establish economic dominance over the world. But as they sail to China to make a deal with the Emperor, they soon find themselves in the middle of a gruesome sea battle. The sketch takes a comedic approach to explaining the history of these traders, whose ambitions ultimately lead them to a gruesome end.

In another segment, the show covers the Great Fire of London, which took place in 1666 and destroyed much of the city. In a cleverly crafted sketch, viewers see how the fire started thanks to a lit candle left unattended in a bakery on Pudding Lane. The sketch then shows the fire spreading through the city, with the hapless people of London desperately trying to put out the flames - only to make things worse.

Other segments in this episode include an exploration of the fashions of the Tudor era (complete with frills, ruffs, and corsets), and an in-depth look at the invention of the guillotine in France. Each sketch is designed to capture the attention of young viewers while also providing them with interesting (and somewhat gruesome) historical facts.

Another highlight of this episode is a sketch on the history of medicine, which takes viewers through the bizarre (and sometimes downright horrifying) ways that people used to treat various ailments throughout history. From leeches to urine, the history of medicine is certainly not for the faint of heart.

Throughout the episode, the talented actors behind Horrible Histories bring to life a wide range of characters, from swashbuckling sea captains to French aristocrats to medieval peasants. Despite the show's comedic tone, the sketches are full of historical accuracy, offering viewers a wealth of interesting tidbits about human history.

All in all, Horrible Histories Season 2, Episode 12 is a fun and educational romp through some of the most gruesome and fascinating moments in history. With its infectious humor and clever writing, the show offers a unique and engaging way for young audiences to learn about the past - and maybe even gain an appreciation for the macabre in the process.