Horrible Histories Cuts
BBC Removes Horrible Histories Sketches and Episodes to Meet Editorial Guidelines
Anonymous
The BBC removed at least seven sketches from Horrible Histories and took a full episode off iPlayer, saying the changes were made seven years ago in consultation with the programme makers to meet editorial guidelines for children’s programmes. The cuts include scenes involving Roman slavery, Victorian child labour and chimney sweeps, Madame Tussaud making masks from severed heads, and white actors wearing darker makeup to portray ancient Egyptians or Incas. The changes have drawn criticism from viewers and historian Guy Walters, who argued that the show’s gruesome approach helps engage children with history. Actor Mathew Baynton has previously acknowledged that the show’s portrayal of Egyptians could be seen as blackface.
Key Points
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A separate removed sketch was a spoof compensation advert for exploited Victorian factory workers, featuring disabled children.
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The chimney-sweep material reportedly also showed a child injured after becoming stuck in a chimney, later leaning on crutches.
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The cuts came days after the BBC was criticised for removing sketches from That Mitchell and Webb Look, saying they no longer “work today.”
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Horrible Histories debuted in 2009, ran for 11 series and ended in 2014; the programme had also won a BAFTA.
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