Horrible Histories Catch up, Series 8: 4. Mind Your Manners on CBBC

Horrible Histories

Series 8: 4. Mind Your Manners

Rattus is panicking, as the Rat Queen is visiting the sewer and he has no idea how to behave nicely around royalty! Not only that, if he can somehow appear attractive to the Queen, maybe he could be the next Rat King?! Luckily, help is at hand in the (very well-mannered) shape of First Dates’ Fred Sirieix, a man who knows all about how to behave politely in high society. Fred will guide Rattus through the Horrible History of Manners and Etiquette, in a bid to help him on his quest.\n\nIn terms of historical courting tips, we’ll see how the Puritans did dating (mostly via an eight-foot-long brass tube), and how Tudor women would put an apple under their arms, which they wouldd then give to a potential partner as a token of their love. A squishy, odd-smelling token of their love. We will also take a trip to Historical Love Island, where Jane Austen is hoping to meet the modern man of her dreams.\n\nRattus will also learn about ancient Greek hospitality customs, the first time the fork came to Britain, and how a man actually died in the Roman emperor’s court from holding his farts in for too long (something Rattus definitely doesn't do). Other ancient customs will include the etiquette of dining with Queen Victoria (the key was speed - because as soon as she had finished eating, you had to stop too), and also of actually eating other people.\n\nThere is also a look at the chivalric code (which, as well as fighting tips, included how to appreciate art and make music), and a handy guide to Victorian funeral customs - something they took very seriously, to the extent that they even hired professional mourners in a bid to give their nearest and dearest a proper send-off.

Source: CBBC

Most recent episodes of Horrible Histories

Horrible Histories

Series 5: Episode 3

04-01-2026

CBBC

All episodes

Horrible Histories

Specials: 'orrible Opera

Henry VIII, Queen Victoria and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are our hosts for a special live concert as part of the BBC Proms season at London’s Royal Albert Hall, introducing ...

03-01-2026

CBBC

All episodes

Horrible Histories

Series 11: 15. Pitiful Princes And Princesses

Marie Antoinette, Henry VIII, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Loo Man is here to explore why being a prince or princess hasn’t always been the lovely life some might imagine.

02-01-2026

CBBC

All episodes

Horrible Histories

Series 11: 14. Top Ten Naughtiest People

Rattus is on the naughty step yet again. But at least it has given him an excellent idea for a list of some of his favourite sketches as he presents his top ten of some of histo ...

01-01-2026

CBBC

All episodes

Horrible Histories

Series 11: 13. Phiendish Pharaohs

From preparing for the afterlife to having your own butt doctor, Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, Ramesses II and more are here to reveal what life was like as a fiendish pharaoh.

31-12-2025

CBBC

All episodes

Horrible Histories

Series 11: 12. Barmy Battles Special

An enormous pillow fight has broken out in the sewer between Rattus and his siblings. With that in mind, he brings us a special battle-themed show, chock-full of fight-filled hi ...

30-12-2025

CBBC

All episodes

Horrible Histories

Series 11: 11. Hair-raising Holiday

Horrible Histories takes a short trip through the history of holidays, including Queen Victoria by the sea, Napoleon the tourist attraction and deadly sweet treats.

29-12-2025

CBBC

All episodes

Horrible Histories

Series 11: 8. Rat-o-vision Song Contest

If you watch one Song Contest this year, then make sure it’s the Eurovision Song Contest! But if you watch two, then look no further than this Rat-o-vision special, as Rat ...

26-12-2025

CBBC

All episodes