Best Douglas Wrattle Podcasts (2025)

1
King Richard the Lionheart 37:15

9d ago37:15

37:15

One of the most famous Kings of England. He was French, but we don't hold that against him too much. Join Douglas and Hugh as they "Take the Cross" and draw swords against the most famous medieval monarch named after a massive cat. Discover how he really got his name, how he accidentally became king, why he hated his father, and why Douglas believe…

1
Vikings! 33:51

23d ago33:51

33:51

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here. Douglas and Hugh have finally decided to tackle those vicious, bloodthirsty Nordic warriors. But were they really vicious and bloodthirsty? Time to pillage truth from the village of myth. We've also compiled a run down of the top ten most iconic vikings who ever lived. And some who probably didn'…

1
Sir Winston Churchill: Part Two - The Not As Early Years 36:33

1M ago36:33

36:33

War! Europe is crumbling under attacks by the ruthless Kaiser Wilhelm. There are heroes on both sides. Evil is everywhere. But whither, you may ask, is WINSTON CHURCHILL? Well, that's what Douglas and Hugh reveal as they continue their informed and unbiased account of the man some believe to be BRITAIN'S GREATEST BRITISH PERSON. This thrilling epis…

1
Sir Winston Churchill: Part One - The Early Years 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

Many consider Winston Churchill to be the greatest British human who ever lived. But was he, when it comes down to it, a massive bellend? Come with us brave time traveller, and join Douglas and Hugh on the first part of an epic journey as they debate the life, deeds, beliefs, politics and legacy of the man who helped shape the twentieth century. Al…

1
House of Medici: The Original Renaissance Mafia 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

In this episode, Douglas and Hugh take the Hyundai over to Italy where you'll meet the original Godfathers of crime, corruption, extortion, murder and much much more: The Medicis. For centuries, this extravagant gangsta dynasty kept a vicelike grip over Italy -vice being the operative word. Experience their rise and fall, as well as the Humanist wo…

1
The Rise and Fall of Orson Welles: Genius or Fake? 39:27

3M ago39:27

39:27

Lights! Camera! Silence on the set! Tape rolling...3,2,1 ACTION!! This episode follows the unique life of a true titan of cinema: the mighty Orson Welles. Join Douglas and Hugh as they explore this remarkable filmmaker, actor, wit, intellect, lover, bon vivant and consumer of many many pies. From the precocious cinematic genius that changed the med…

1
The Rise and Fall of Newspaper Mogul William Randolph Hearst 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

Imagine a time when wealthy, privileged bullies controlled the minds of millions by making up stories to publish in their rotten newspapers. A time when rich old men married young aspiring Hollywood starlets and wild zebras roamed the hills of California.... STOP THE PRESS!! We're back! In the first episode of 2025, Douglas and Hugh present the ris…

1
Outtakes and Bloopers 2024 4:18

5M ago4:18

4:18

As is now tradition (i.e. we did it once before, last year), here's a bonus Christmas present: five minutes of us failing to keep it together. A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all of you who have listened to our silly little show throughout the year. We don't run ads, we don't make a penny on these shows, we do it for the love of history, sending up history …

1
Christmas Compilation: Part Three 45:26

5M ago45:26

45:26

Season's greetings! For our third and final Christmas compilation - and the last full-length episode of 2024 - Douglas and Hugh unwrap the gift of truth from under the Christmas tree of lies. In this slice of historical Yule log, you'll discover the erotic side of XXXmas, the REAL reason we have a dying pine tree in the corner of our living room ev…

1
Christmas Compilation: Part Two 55:34

5M ago55:34

55:34

Season's greetings! Welcome to the second of our Holy Trinity of festive specials, where we take our collected Christmas mini episodes from the archive and smush them together into full-length episodes to get you through the Yuletide period. In this episode Douglas and Hugh tuck in to the history of Christmas food and drink throughout the ages, the…

1
Christmas Compilation: Part One 44:44

6M ago44:44

44:44

Last Christmas we gave you our hearts. We recorded twelve mini-episodes all about different aspects of the festive period - and they were incredible. So this year, because we're both going on holiday (separately, you understand), Hugh has asked his nephew Gavin to cut these episodes together into a trio of full-length episodes for your ears. And th…

1
The Great Exhibition and the Crystal Palace 30:33

6M ago30:33

30:33

In 1851, Prince Albert, Royal Consort to Queen Victoria, held a magnificent celebration of his adopted homeland. Think Cool Britannia only less cocaine and more things stolen from other countries. To house this Great Exhibition, he had built an enormous Crystal Palace, a marvel of Victorian architecture and a shrine to Empire, excess and elephants.…

1
Tutankhamen and the Curse of the Pharaohs 40:16

6M ago40:16

40:16

Grab your pickaxe, we're going digging! Let Douglas and Hugh take you back to Egypt, at once thousands of years, and then just over a century ago, as we expose the life of the most famous Egyptian king Tutankhamen - a life tragically cut short. We then flash forward to Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon uncovering King Tut's majestic tomb in the Vall…

1
A Wicked History of Witchcraft 36:09

7M ago36:09

36:09

We're back for another Halloween special episode for the Spooky Season and Douglas and Hugh are delving into the mucky and grim history of witchcraft in Europe. Why were so many men so scared of women? Which King of England wrote arguably the definitive book on witches, warlocks, demons, goblins and imps? And what terrible secret has Douglas uneart…

1
Spooky Season Special: Hampton Court Palace 35:42

7M ago35:42

35:42

This episode has divided Douglas and Hugh. The former believes it to be a Halloween special, the latter insists that it isn't. As ever, you be the judge! Prepare for an unforgettable trip back to Tudor England as we guide you inside Hampton Court, arguably the most famous British royal palace that doesn't have an actual royal currently living in it…

1
The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci 39:52

8M ago39:52

39:52

The term "genius" is banded around all too casually these days. Very few deserve the title. But this man definitely does. Artist. Anatomist. Engineer. Aviator. Gardener. There was nothing Leonardo da Vinci couldn't do. If he were alive today, he'd probably also be an excellent podcaster. But he isn't, so you're going to have to make do with Douglas…

1
Prohibition, the Mob and the Rise and Fall of Al Capone 33:39

8M ago33:39

33:39

In this obscenely violent episode, Douglas and Hugh become a pair of American wise guys as they blow the lid off bootlegging on the streets of New York and Chicago during the 1920s and 30s. A time where crime most definitely DID pay. A time of Prohibition. Discover how Al Capone rose through the ranks of street hoodlums to become the most notorious…

1
The History of the Motorcar 36:12

9M ago36:12

36:12

We've all seen one. We've all been in one. Doulgas frequently crashes one. But who actually invented the car? And how the hell did we manage without them? From donkeys to horsepower, from Henry Ford's Model T to where all self-driving cars go to die, Douglas and Hugh take you on a crash course through the complete history of the car. So buckle up, …

1
Aviation and the Magnificent History of Flight 37:45

9M ago37:45

37:45

As it's still the summer holidays, brace yourself. These are your captains speaking. Douglas and his co-pilot Hugh will now take your ears through the many thrilling attempts by humanity to take to the skies. From trying to harness owls and heated air to the sheer misery of your average budget airline, strap yourself in for the flight of your life …

1
Listener Request: Queen Elizabeth the First 37:53

10M ago37:53

37:53

She was the last Tudor monarch who ushered in a Golden Age for her country - without even needing to score any goals in a major international tournament. In fact, she was actually able to defeat the Spanish. Join Douglas and Hugh as they unravel the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Discover the plots on her life, the pretenders t…

1
Vampires: Myths, Folklore and the "Real Dracula", Vlad The Impaler 43:58

10M ago43:58

43:58

In this episode of the BEST HISTORY PODCAST EVER MADE, Douglas and Hugh cross oceans to time to find you, and boldly become vampire hunters! Join them as they dig up the myths and legends that gave rise to belief in vampires and the undead. They will debunk vampire lore (garlic, crucifixes, sunlight, holy water). They will also introduce the real l…

1
The Three Musketeers and the Extraordinary Life of Alexandre Dumas 31:28

11M ago31:28

31:28

En Guard! Strap on your sword, rapier and whatever flintlock pistol you may have about your person. Douglas and Hugh invite you to enlist in the French King's most elite fighting force, The Three Musketeers! But who were the real-life swashbucklers? What did they do to inspire legendary French playwright and author Alexandre Dumas to write his icon…

1
Debunk Special: Area 51, the Roswell Incident and Alien Conspiracy Theories 34:12

11M ago34:12

34:12

In this week's episode, Douglas and Hugh put on their foil hats and x-ray specs as they travel back to the 1950s in search of...ALIENS! But because this is a bona fide history podcast, Our very own Mulder and Scully don't want to believe, they want to know - and they're not afraid to expose themselves in the process. What REALLY happened on that hi…

1
The Mystery of Stonehenge and the Druids 32:38

11M ago32:38

32:38

As we approach the halfway point in the year for the Summer Solstice on June 21st, Douglas and Hugh travel to Stonehenge, the most famous of all the henges, and one of England's most ancient, celebrated and fascinating landmarks. They also reveal the true identity of the people who worshipped at this hallowed site: the Druids. Who REALLY built Ston…

1
The Knights Templars 31:51

12M ago31:51

31:51

Who were the Knights Templars? What is their connection with The Holy Grail? And why was Douglas and Hugh refused entry into Shingles nightclub on the High Street? All will be revealed - and more - when we remove the chainmail of mystery to expose the flabby pink flesh of truth. Gasp with pleasure as you learn of their special role in the Crusades.…

1
The Lost Ark of the Covenant 34:07

12M ago34:07

34:07

The Ark of the Covenant is one of the world's most famous archaeological prizes. But what actually is it? Does it even exist? And if so, can it really melt your face off? Douglas and Hugh don their fedoras, grab their bullwhips and steer clear of snakes as they raid the truth behind this most holy of holy relics. Discover the Ark's biblical origins…

1
The Erotic Adventures of Catherine the Great 28:15

12M ago28:15

28:15

Few monarchs have been plagued by so many scurrilous rumours as this one. Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia during the back end of the eighteenth century and under her long reign, she is said to have transformed her country for the better. She was also rumoured to be obsessed with nookie, took an army of lovers and fell foul of a proud hors…

1
William Shakespeare 32:08

1y ago32:08

32:08

To listen or not to listen. THAT is the question. And the answer is, of course, yes. In this episode, Douglas and Hugh tackle another of history's big hitters: William Shakespeare. Writer of such incredible works such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Slippery When Wet. The most famous playwright who ever lived, but what do we know about the man behi…

1
The Palace of Versailles and King Louis XIV 34:32

1y ago34:32

34:32

If you met a king, would you bow and curtsy, or punch him in the face? Fortunately, Douglas and Hugh know EXACTLY what to do, and they're about to tell you. We cordially invite you to sup with King Louis XIV of France at the royal palace of Versailles - but for Christ sake, remember the RULES! Because if you don't...well. There will be trouble. Fro…

1
Florence Nightingale 32:02

1y ago32:02

32:02

With International Nurses Day right round the corner, in this episode, Douglas and Hugh shine a lamp on the celebrated Victorian social reformer, statistician and founder of modern nursing: Florence Nightingale. Flo's revolutionary "common sense" approach saved the lives of thousands of soldiers during the Crimean War and changed the face of how we…

1
Buffalo Bill and the Wild Wild West 35:02

1y ago35:02

35:02

We're back! One becomes two as Hugh rejoins Douglas for another cracking episode, fresh from his nautical misadventure. Prepare to be amazed as Hugh reveals what actually happened on that ferry after the Taylor Swift concert. And then, strap on your peacemakers and mount your steed. We are galloping across the Great Plains to meet William "Buffalo …

1
Special News Update: Hugh's Safety and Your Tweets 9:18

1y ago9:18

9:18

This is a public service announcement. Sadly we cannot bring you our regularly scheduled episode due to the fact Hugh is..well, you should really listen to this. But don't worry, all is well, he's safe, albeit slightly adrift. Fortunately Douglas is here to hold the fort, where he answers some of YOUR questions and concerns that YOU submitted to us…

1
The Rise and Fall of Roman Gladiators 38:31

1y ago38:31

38:31

If you were in the Colosseum, what animal would you fight? What weapon would you wield? Travel back to Ancient Rome as Douglas and Hugh reveal their preferred creature to dispatch, why Gladiators were treated like rock stars and then fell out of favour, and why Douglas' son has got his hand stuck behind the temporary shed. Thumbs or thumbs down, le…

1
Genghis Khan and the Terrifying Mongol Empire 42:28

1y ago42:28

42:28

We venture into uncharted waters this episode as Douglas and Hugh expose themselves. Not literally. Neither of them know much about Genghis Khan the legendary Mongol warrior/emperor/ king/mass murderer/serial adulterer. But of course, they still know more than you, so strap yourself in as we travel back to quake in the might of the man responsible …

1
Cleopatra 39:23

1y ago39:23

39:23

The relationship between Cleopatra of Egypt and Mark Antony of Rome is one of the great romances in human history - much like Hugh's marriage, only not at all. Join us as we reach back to antiquity and uncover the real woman behind the legendary Queen. Discover why everyone in Egypt had the same name. Marvel at how Cleo was able to marry her relati…

1
Dick Turpin, Highwaymen and Public Executions 35:08

1+ y ago35:08

35:08

STAND AND DELIVER! YOU'RE MONEY OR YOUR WIFE!! That's right. We're galloping back to the golden age of highway robbery. While the most famous mounted cad was Dick Turpin, there were others equally notorious and nefarious. Discover the many types of murderous highwaymen and women who roamed the English countryside during the seventeenth and eighteen…

1
The Black Death and The Great Fire of London 38:52

1+ y ago38:52

38:52

This episode you get two for the price of one! Douglas and Hugh discover what REALLY caused the Great Plague, otherwise known as the Black Death. Then we cough and splutter our way to Pudding Lane, where one of the greatest catastrophes to ever hit England's fair capital began: The Great Fire of London. But how many people actually perished? Which …

1
Listener Request: The Great Stink 39:56

1+ y ago39:56

39:56

Another request from one of our loyal listeners, and you better hold your nose for this one! Douglas and Hugh are taking you back to Victorian London, which was so filled with poo, dead bodies, disease and general filth you'd think you were in France. Join us as we sniff out the Great Stink of 1858. What was it? What caused it? and how many pine co…

1
Listener Request: Robin Hood 39:00

1+ y ago39:00

39:00

We kick off 2024 with an episode suggested by one of our keen fans. We do that, by the way. So if you want to hear our take on a historical person or event that tickles your fancy, drop us a line either in the comments where you get your podcasts or via our social channels listed below. Anyway, this episode is about England's most famous outlaw, Ro…

1
Christmas Bonus: Outtakes and Bloopers 4:35

1+ y ago4:35

4:35

A HUGE historical thank you to all of you who have found, listened, recommended and supported History For You since we launched only four months ago. We have fun making these, hope you enjoy listening to them half as much. We wish you a merry Christmas, happy New Year and hope you will enjoy many more episodes to come. Until then, as a special trea…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Twelve - The Christmas Panto 13:53

1+ y ago13:53

13:53

This is it. The final day in our midwinter dozen. And what a way to end the year. Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is! Douglas and Hugh explore the colourful history of the longstanding Christmas tradition of Pantomime, or Panto for short. Minor celebrities, gender reversal, fairy tales...it's "fun for all the family". Oh no it isn't! Or IS it? Join us fo…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eleven - The Christmas Tree and Decorations 15:49

1+ y ago15:49

15:49

We're at the home stretch now. Our penultimate bonus episode on the Twelve Days of Christmas is all about why we decorate our homes with tinsel, fairy lights and, of course, that most beloved of our festive ornaments, the Christmas Tree. But can a dead chunk of oversized shrub really make a happy home? And why was Douglas abandoned as a boy to walk…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Ten - Boxing Day 11:17

1+ y ago11:17

11:17

We all know why Christmas Day is called thus. You'd have to be an utter idiot not to. But even clever folk are stumped about Boxing Day. Is it named after the sport? Boxes? Geometry? Who knows? Well. Douglas does and he's about to blow Hugh's - and your mind. Discover the origins of Boxing Day, why Queen Victoria was an excellent prize fighter, and…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Nine - The Holly and the Ivy 16:58

1+ y ago16:58

16:58

As we creep closer to a festive crescendo for the Twelve Days of Christmas, we get acquainted with two bits of common or garden foliage commonly associated with yuletide. But did you know that the historical roots for both the Holly and the Ivy are profoundly erotic? Well they are. Deeply so. Join Douglas and Hugh as they strip away the layers of m…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eight - Charles Dickens and the Victorian Christmas 12:36

1+ y ago12:36

12:36

Ever wonder why we have Christmas crackers? Or Christmas cards? Or why elderly relatives eat discarded sprouts off the floor? Well, like so much in the modern world, we owe many festive traditions to the Victorians. And of course, no yuletide is complete without Charles Dickens' immortal classic, A Christmas Carol. Join Douglas and Hugh as they rev…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Seven - The Nativity of Jesus 12:15

1+ y ago12:15

12:15

This is it. The story that started it all. Or DID it? Well, luckily for you, Douglas and Hugh are on hand to reveal the truth behind the Nativity Story, the most famous baby tale ever told. Or IS it? Well, luckily for you, Douglas and Hugh are on hand to reveal just why baby Jesus was born in an animal husband centre. Or WAS he? Well - you get the …

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Six - Weird Christmas Traditions 13:55

1+ y ago13:55

13:55

Do you leave a mince pie for Santa? Kiss under the mistletoe? Punch a badger? Whatever your festive traditions, you'll love this journey through some of the world's most weird, odd and downright baffling rituals people perform every Christmas. Join Douglas and Hugh as they also explore the even more curious superstitions behind them. You'll never l…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Five - Christmas Food and Drink 17:34

1+ y ago17:34

17:34

Grab a napkin - and perhaps a bucket! Time to tickle your tastebuds as Douglas and Hugh take you on a festive taster menu through the ages. All the classic Christmas food and drink gets a sample, from the very first pre Christmas Winter feasts to what we all enjoy round the Yuletide table today. And find out how homemade mulled wine got Douglas out…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Four - Santa 17:19

1+ y ago17:19

17:19

He goes by many names. But how does he know if little kiddies are naughty or nice? And who appointed him judge of all children everywhere anyway? Douglas is about to open his sack and hand out truth gifts to everyone, regardless of their behaviour. Meanwhile, Hugh wrestles with an upset stomach for reasons we won't go int here. Day Four in our Twel…

1
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Three - Kings, Wise Men and Gifts 10:19

1+ y ago10:19

10:19

How many kings visited baby Jesus in Bethlehem? Were they really that wise? And why did they bring with them such silly gifts? Join Douglas and Hugh as they follow the star of truth that leads us all to the stable of facts. Unwrap the real meaning of gold, frankincense and myrrh - and discover why school nativity plays are really effective contrace…

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Douglas Wrattle Podcasts

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