Mr Dilly’s History Live – Free Curriculum-Based History Streams for Schools

Step into the past with Mr Dilly’s History Live! Join Mr Dilly as your guide, for some thrilling history adventures streamed direct to your classroom.

Each episode blends on-location filming at world-class museums and heritage sites, curator insights, and in-studio conversations with special guests — all linked to the KS2 and early KS3 curriculum. Some episodes also include short film excerpts of Mr Dilly in character, bringing people of the past to life in fun and memorable ways.

It’s free, flexible, and designed for schools — making history vivid, fun, and accessible for ages 7–13.

 

How It Works

  • Choose your episode from the list below.

  • Book free on Eventbrite (click Book Now).

  • Pick your date – most episodes stream twice each term for flexibility.

  • Get your private link a week before the broadcast.

  • Watch “as live” in class on the Mr Dilly website (the stream plays via YouTube).

  • The same stream also plays live on YouTube at the same time.

  • Replay free for 7 days via your private link on the Mr Dilly website (not on YouTube)

 

This Term’s Episodes

Ancient Egyptians – How Did Beliefs Shape Life and Death in Ancient Egypt?

Mr Dilly’s History Live – Ancient Egyptians episode. On location at the Petrie Museum with artefacts and curators, plus historian Iszi Lawrence, author of The Cursed Tomb.

Dates & Times: Thurs 9th October, 11.00am-12.00 midday BST or Tues 4th November, 11.00am- 12.00 midday GMT (UK time)
Same session offered twice – choose the time that works best for your class.
Ages 7–13 / UK: Years 3–8 / US: Grades 2–8

Step into the world of Ancient Egypt with Mr Dilly at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, home to over 80,000 incredible artefacts! Discover how religion and belief shaped life and death — from gods and temples to mummification and the afterlife — with fascinating insights from the museum’s curators.

Back in the studio, Mr Dilly is joined by historian and author Iszi Lawrence, presenter on BBC Radio 4 and author of The Cursed Tomb, for a lively and accessible conversation on the rituals, traditions, and stories that made Ancient Egypt one of history’s most fascinating civilisations.

📽️ Plus: watch Mr Dilly take on the role of Chief Embalmer in a funny, slightly gruesome character short film that demonstrates the mummification process.

 

Ancient Rome - What Did the Ancient Romans Do for Britain?

Mr Dilly’s History Live – Romans episode. On location at Fishbourne Roman Palace with artefacts and experts, plus Greg Jenner, author of Chaotic History: Romans.
 

Dates & Times: Thurs 16th October, 11.00am-12.00 midday BST or Wed 19th November, 11.00am-12.00 midday GMT (UK time)
Same session offered twice – choose the time that works best for your class.
Ages 7–13 / UK: Years 3–8 / US: Grades 2-8

Travel back nearly 2,000 years with Mr Dilly to Fishbourne Roman Palace, the largest Roman residence in Britain. Explore mosaics, artefacts, and the remains of a luxurious villa as we uncover how the Romans transformed life in Britain — from roads and towns to culture, technology, and governance — with insights from the palace’s own history experts.

Back in the studio, Mr Dilly is joined by public historian Greg Jenner, author of Chaotic History: Romans and host of BBC’s You’re Dead To Me, for a lively and accessible discussion on the lasting impact of Rome on Britain — perfect for linking to your curriculum topics.

📽️ Plus: hear from a warrior of Boudicca’s tribe in a special Mr Dilly character film, bringing the drama of the Britons’ revolt of AD 60 to life.

 

WW2 Remembrance – Why Do We Remember the Second World War?

Mr Dilly’s History Live – World War II Remembrance episode. On location at The D-Day Story Museum with curators, plus Tom Palmer, author of After the War and Arctic Star.
 

Dates & Times: Tues 11 November, 9.15am-10.40am GMT (UK time)
Ages 8–13 / UK: Years 4–9 / US: Grades 3-8

Join Mr Dilly at The D-Day Story museum, Portsmouth to explore powerful artefacts, personal stories, and the events of D-Day with expert curators. Together, we’ll reflect on the experiences of those who lived through the Second World War and why remembrance still matters today.

Back in the studio, Mr Dilly is joined by award-winning author Tom Palmer (After the War, Arctic Star, D-Day Dog) for an engaging discussion on remembrance and how these stories continue to inspire us today — perfect for KS2 and KS3.

📽️ Plus: see Mr Dilly’s celebrated short film commemorating WW2 and VE Day 80 — a creative retelling of the war, featuring Mr Dilly in multiple roles from the period.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special tech?
No. Watch on the Mr Dilly website via your private link (YouTube embed). Please check your school firewall allows YouTube.

Can multiple classes watch?
Yes—please register each class/teacher on Eventbrite so everyone gets their own link.

Is it really free?
Yes. These streams are free for schools as part of this pilot series.

Can we watch at another time?
Yes. Most episodes stream twice in the term. Your private link also gives 7-day replay on the Mr Dilly website.

Will the streams stay on YouTube?
No. They also play live on YouTube, but on-demand replay is only on the Mr Dilly website (via your link) for 7 days.

What age range?
Ages 7–13 (UK Years 3–9), linked to KS2 and early KS3.

Is there interaction?
Not live, but episodes include prompts and discussion points for use in class.