History for You with Douglas and Hugh

Douglas Wrattle, Hugh Canard
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Comedy

Well done, brave adventurer! You have uncovered History For You with Douglas and Hugh - a brand new comedy podcast about history. For you. Join two potentially award-winning historians Douglas Wrattle and Hugh Canard as they take you on a fascinating deep dive into the fascinating annals of fascinating world history. Subjects include King Arthur, Boudicca, 1066, The Great Fire of London, Pirates, Ghosts, King Henry VIII, Jack the Ripper, Highwaymen and more! This comedy series is written and performed by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones

  1. Jun 10

    Inside the Mind and Life of Albert Einstein

    If this man had to keep his brain in a jar, it would be one of those giant ones full of pickled eggs you see at the chippie. German-born theoretical scientist and mathematician Albert Einstein is the twentieth century's most famous man with a moustache who didn't start a war. Einstein was a genius who came up with many theories, many of which are far too complicated for anyone to understand. So thank Christ that Douglas and Hugh are here to explain them like you're really thick. Which, of course, you aren't. Come with us as we take you inside Einstein's mind and also gasp at his rather remarkable life. We'd also like to state for the record that some of Douglas's own theories featured in this episode are currently awaiting verification. ----- History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UBlueSky https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://linktr.ee/AdrianMackinder

    43 min

  2. May 28

    The Mysterious Life of Harry Houdini

    Harry Houdini was the world's greatest escapologist. There was literally nothing he was in that he couldn't get out of. Except death. Like so many of us, it got to him in the end. But before the Reaper came a' knocking, this Hungarian born entertainer and professional debunker lived an incredible life. And this is it. Join Douglas and Hugh as they each don a straightjacket, lock themselves up in an underwater coffin and set themselves on fire, in honour of this great man, who may or may not be really dead. Talking of magic, you'll also discover how Hugh has been entertaining himself in the cupboard under the stairs. Don't worry, it's SFW. Just. ------ History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://linktr.ee/AdrianMackinder

    43 min

  3. Mar 20

    Lawrence of Arabia and the Middle East Mess

    So why is it all an almighty mess in the Middle East? As usual, Douglas and Hugh have all the answers. Join us as we take you back to when thin gs were equally messy but people had fewer missiles. And you also get to meet an English (well, Welsh) gentleman who was instrumental in almost sorting everything out: T. E. Lawrence AKA Lawrence of Arabia. Who was he? Why was he there? And why did the town of Reading completely ruin peace in the Arab world? We'll also be discussing Hugh's new hobbies and why Douglas regrets buying electronic goods from a man in a car park at night. ------ History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UBlueSky https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://www.adrianmackinder.com

    35 min

  4. Mar 4

    Death, Jewels and Ravens: The Bloody Tower of London

    For this episode, Douglas and Hugh take you up the river Thames, through Traitors' Gate and into the heart of England's most infamous place of execution: The Tower of London. Find out why there are ravens nailed down to the ground. Discover the true relationship Beefeaters have with beef. Marvel at the priceless gems the English royal family stole from other countries and shudder at the ghosts of dead queens and German spies said to haunt the grounds. Douglas would also like to give a full and frank statement to address rumours that he has murdered the landlord of rival pub up the road the Nut and Squirrel and buried him under the newly lain car park. Because he hasn't. Understand? ------ History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UBlueSky https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://www.adrianmackinder.co.uk

    38 min

  5. Feb 18

    The Staggering Global History of Coffee

    Do you start your morning with a nice hot cup of coffee? We know we do. So it's time to celebrate that humble little brown bean. Brew yourself a fresh pot and settle in for a coffee-based adventure as Douglas and Hugh take you around the world! Also, we would all like to point out that Douglas is in no way connected to the recent disappearance of Jeff Hollenbach, the landlord of the recently closed Nut and Squirrel - which, like the Ferret and Trouser Leg, will remain closed indefinitely pending official police investigation. ------ History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UBlueSky https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://linktr.ee/AdrianMackinder

    37 min

  6. Feb 5

    Super Bowl Madness and the History of American Football

    Douglas and Hugh are well out of their comfort zone for this episode. They need to get to the end zone without causing offence to all of America. Will they succeed? So strap on your helmets and hunker down as we take you through the history of that most baffling of colonial past times, American Football. What is it? How do you play it, and why are the names so silly? Plus we investigate how a simple admin negotiation created a billion-dollar national event that has over 100 million Americans glued to their TV sets every year for Super Bowl Sunday. Oh, and Hugh finds he's been the victim of a scam, while a devastating event at the Ferret and Trouserleg could ruin Douglas' pub enterprise forever... ------ History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UBlueSky https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://linktr.ee/AdrianMackinder

    37 min

  7. Jan 23

    It's Electric! Thomas Edison v Nikola Tesla

    We're back for 2026, positively charged and ready to flow! In this episode, Douglas and Hugh fight it out for the electric crown with the tale of two pioneers in their field. In one corner: Thomas Edison! In the other: Nikola Tesla! What did these two superconductors of Victorian knowledge have in common? Why did they fall out? And who had the last laugh? You'll also discover exactly what Hugh's girlfriend has stolen from his house, and the new hobby that has made Douglas so very sweet... ------ History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UBlueSky https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://linktr.ee/AdrianMackinder

    38 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    Christmas Special: You're Invited to a Roman and Victorian Celebration

    With the Winter Solstice firmly in our rearview mirror, we round out the year with an especially festive episode! Hugh cordially invites you and Douglas to the Roman Midwinter celebration of Saturnalia, which sowed the seeds of many Christmas traditions we enjoy to this day. Then we exchange gifts as Douglas returns the favour by taking you and Hugh through a typical Victorian working class Christmas eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. And you're all invited to a special Christmas quiz at the Ferret and Trouserleg in Lavenham. God bless us, everyone! ------ History for You with Douglas and Hugh is a spoof comedy podcast about history written, performed and produced by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones.  Let us know your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes. Connect with us here: https://tinyurl.com/History4UFacebook  https://tinyurl.com/History4UBlueSky https://tinyurl.com/History4UInstagram Adrian and James are also published authors: The Wonder 1: Blood Red https://amzn.eu/d/0gk3Qiq Stan Lee: How Marvel Changed the World https://linktr.ee/stanleebook Death and the Victorians https://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorians Adrian is also a stand-up comedian and improvisor. Here he is: https://linktr.ee/AdrianMackinder

    38 min
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Trailers

About

Well done, brave adventurer! You have uncovered History For You with Douglas and Hugh - a brand new comedy podcast about history. For you. Join two potentially award-winning historians Douglas Wrattle and Hugh Canard as they take you on a fascinating deep dive into the fascinating annals of fascinating world history. Subjects include King Arthur, Boudicca, 1066, The Great Fire of London, Pirates, Ghosts, King Henry VIII, Jack the Ripper, Highwaymen and more! This comedy series is written and performed by Adrian Mackinder and James Devonshire, with music by Mike Jones

Information

  • Creator
    Douglas Wrattle, Hugh Canard
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Douglas Wrattle, Hugh Canard

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