History Storytime - For Kids

Sophie finds out how Prussia's Frederick the Great gets Germany started on the path of world conquest. Meanwhile the British find out that the polite warfare of Europe doesn't work against the fury of a Highland charge of the Jacobite Rebellion. The Highland dream is then crushed at Culloden and Sophie brings the romance of Bonnie Prince Charlie to life with the Skye Boat Song. 

Sophie tells her Daddy the story of the War of Jenkins Ear in which Britain and Spain struggle for naval supremacy on the high seas 200 years ago. Commodore Anson leads his naval squadron to scurvy and riches in the Pacific. Meanwhile the booty from the war helps the Washington family build their home on Mount Vernon in what will become the United States of America.

Sophie learns that Christopher Columbus didn't discover America, wasn't a great sailor, wasn't nice to people and spent most of his time lost! But by not turning back he opened up the New World. 

Sophie asks for a Christmas Story. We go back over a hundred years to the First World War. Britain and Germany are fighting a brutal war in the Trenches of France, when British soldiers hear the sound of Silent Night coming across No Man's Land. With songs from the period, the modern miracle of the Christmas Truce of 1914 is brought to life. 

Sophie asks to go back to the height of the Roman Empire and we learn about Emperors, Legions, Mice, Roads and Gladiators. With a song by Sophie that everyone can sing along with, and lots of stories about silly Roman Emperors, there's something for all the family. 

Sophie learns about the Moon landings and the Space race. Against the backdrop of the bitter era of the Cold War, we hear JFK set out his moon vision for NASA. We learn about Astronauts, Cosmonauts and Chimponauts! We see how America triumphs with actual sound of the moon landings.

Sophie goes back to Victorian times to learn about the exploits of Florence Nightingale. We experience the thrill of the Charge of the Light Brigade, the horrors of the hospital at Scutari and meet Mary Seacole. We learn about how Florence Nightingale invented nursing with the help of her maths homework, her kindness and a very famous lamp. We even get to hear a unique recording of Florence Nightingale's actual voice. 

Sophie asks for a story about a Queen. So we go back 800 years and learn how "Queen" Matilda had her throne stolen by King Stephen, and that eating eels is very dangerous!

Sophie asks for a story about a child. So, on the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War, we learn about brave Boy Cornwell, who fought in that war and was the youngest winner of the Victoria Cross. 

Sophie asks about the French Revolution. We learn about Marie Antoinette, Sophie tells us about the Guillotine and we all learn not to lose our head!