Written by Naomi Wallace

Horrible Histories was arguably a rite of passage for anyone who grew up in the UK that is now studying history at university. Though a subject that is sure to cause considerable debate, here are my top 10 songs from the iconic television show that shaped the childhoods of a generation of history lovers between 2009 and 2014.

10. The Boudicca Song

Martha Howe-Douglas does justice to many of history’s powerful women across the show, and Boudicca is no exception. This song is a punchy tribute to the Celtic Queen and a recognition of her refusal to be pushed around by men. You can tell the producers had great fun with the graphics for this song, too. Sadly, Boudicca’s story had a less than happy end to it, but the song is overall a bold, empowered summary of the life of the woman who caused more than her fair share of trouble for the Roman invaders in Britain.

9. Rosa Parks

What do we all remember about Rosa Parks? She sat on a bus. That is exactly the focus of this soulful song that recalls one of the most notable episodes of the Civil Rights Movement, the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. Inspired by Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’, the song contains an incredibly important message, which emphasises the power of mobilisation, all the while standing as a super upbeat, catchy song in its own right.

8. World War Two Girls

It is impossible not to love a song that celebrates the integral role of women’s work in the Second World War. Rosie the Riveter would have certainly been a fan of this song’s message, that women can do all that men can, and the reminder that the war effort hinged upon their contribution. It is an infectiously positive song, one that is, perhaps, over-optimistic about the opportunities created for the women following WW2- aspects of the 1950s certainly saw efforts to reverse this- but it is a great reminder that the war wasn’t just won on male effort and a recognition of the hard work of the women who kept things running while they were away.

7. Born 2 Rule

I’m no monarchist, but this song almost convinces me to become one. It is the simplicity of this song that makes it so effective, just the four King Georges in a Westlife style boy band performing together. They somehow manage to be charming whilst singing about some of the rather dubious aspects of their reigns, such as having women’s husbands killed, starting wars with Scotland, and plunging the country into debt. It’s amusing just how strong their voices are, particularly Jim Howick, who hits every high note as the long-time regent King George IV. It’s a Horrible Histories classic, and for good reason.

6. The RAF Pilot Song

‘Take That, Hitler’, one member of the RAF Pilot boy band quips in this song inspired by Take That’s ‘Relight My Fire’, that shines a light on the foreign pilots who aided in the Second World War. The song is incredibly fun, but it also carries a positive message that spreads awareness of those from various European nations, such as Poland and Czechia, who aided in the war effort. Again, Jim Howick is the highlight, who achieves the boy band charisma with perfection. He is certainly the Robbie Williams of the group, which is hilariously ironic, as his character is an ex-pilot who, when war broke out, returned once again.

5. Charles Dickens Song

If Charles Dickens was alive today, I suspect he would be a fan of The Smiths, because he was, as this song emphasises, miserable. Much of his life was wrought with debt, loss, and poverty. It therefore makes perfect sense that his song is a close parody of some of the groups’ greatest hits, including ‘This Charming Man’ and ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.’ Matthew Baynton’s Dickens/Morrissey hybrid is hilariously well executed, and really drills in the fact that Charles Dickens was a miserable figure- though anyone who has attempted to read Hard Times has probably already realised this.

4. The Monarchs Song

I’d be lying if I said that, even as a history student, I don’t still sing this song in my head whenever I need to remember the order of succession of the Kings and Queens of England. It’s catchy, funny, and memorable. It also makes you realise that we have had a ridiculous number of kings named Henry or Edward since 1066… you’d think in a millennium the Royal Family could have been a bit more creative with their names. The only downside is that it’s now out of date! Perhaps we can get a new version with King Charles III added on to the end?

3. Charles II King of Bling

‘The king who brought back partying’ has to feature on the list, and of course it’s another number starring the king of Horrible Histories himself, Matthew Baynton. Not only is this song incredibly upbeat and catchy, but the Eminem inspired lyrics are packed with historical information about Charles II, including a pretty accurate summary of the Restoration, the great fire of London, and even a list of the names of his many mistresses. What I most importantly gather from this song is that, if I were to have a party with historical figures, King Charles II (or at least Matt Baynton’s version of him) would be top of the guest list.

2. Mary The 1^st Song

Perhaps a more surprising choice, but as a Kate Bush fan, I love everything about this. From the lilting vocals that are strikingly like the singer upon whom they are based, to the whimsical and eclectic dancing, the inspiration drawn from ‘Wuthering Heights’ could not be clearer. It’s satisfying that the show decided not to turn Mary into the pantomime villain she is often painted to be, though it also doesn’t gloss over the fact that her reign was, in large part, a disaster. She also repeatedly reminds us that she is not to be confused with Mary, Queen of Scots, which is amusing as someone who studies the sixteenth century and finds this common error extremely irritating. This song, and its accompanying visuals, really sum up the genius of Horrible Histories and is simultaneously a wonderful tribute to the mastermind that is Kate Bush.

1. Dick Turpin

There was no question as to what would take the top spot in this list, and unsurprisingly, Matthew Baynton is once again the star. The song endeavours to challenge the romanticisation of Dick Turpin, so putting Matt Baynton in eyeliner and having him perform with the charisma of an 80s new wave leading man, was a questionable choice. They don’t gloss over the violent criminal behaviour of Turpin, such as robbing people at gunpoint and shooting two men dead, but this is somewhat undermined by the sheer charm of the actor playing him. The attention to detail, from witty lyrical references to Adam and the Ants’ discography, to visuals that almost perfectly mirror the ‘Stand and Deliver’ music video, is commendable. Everything about this number is ridiculously entertaining, in my opinion making it the best Horrible Histories song.