Mr Dilly’s History Specials
Full Episodes, Character Films & Big Stories
Step into Mr Dilly’s History Specials — full-length history videos, character films and big stories from Mr Dilly’s World of History.
From the flames of the Great Fire of London and the cities of the The Maya to World War Two, remembrance and beyond, each episode explores the people, places, choices and moments that shaped the past.
These story-led history videos combine Mr Dilly’s high-energy performance with character films, studio storytelling, author conversations, archive footage, artefacts, big historical questions and carefully crafted classroom content — helping children explore not just what happened, but why it mattered.
Perfect for schools, families, teachers and home learning — especially suited to KS2 and early KS3 / ages 7–13 / UK Years 3–8 / US Grades 2–8, with some videos also suitable for younger viewers.
Character-led history films
High-energy films featuring Mr Dilly in costume, combining historical storytelling, humour, narrative, images and dramatic character moments to support classroom learning.
The Maya: Cities, Gods & Lost Civilisation
KS2 / ages 7–11 / UK Years 3–6 / US Grades 2–5
Step into the world of the ancient Maya with Mr Dilly as your guide, and explore one of the world’s most fascinating civilisations.
Pupils discover temples, kings, cities, gods, calendars, rainforest life and the beliefs that shaped Maya culture. Along the way, they meet characters including Burt the Farmer and King Pakal, step into the dramatic world of the Pok Ta Pok ball game, and uncover what daily life may have been like for the people of the Maya world.
A lively, story-led history film designed to spark curiosity, support classroom learning and bring this extraordinary civilisation to life.
The Great Fire of London: Plague, Fire & Survival
KS1 & KS2 / ages 5–11 / UK Years 1–6 / US Kindergarten–Grade 5
Travel back to 1666 with Mr Dilly for a dramatic, character-led journey through one of the most famous disasters in London’s history.
Pupils discover how a small fire in Thomas Farriner’s bakery became a city-changing event, meet Samuel Pepys and everyday Londoners, and learn how the Plague, wooden houses, crowded streets and difficult decisions helped the fire spread.
Featuring Mr Dilly in character, plus Steve the Stink — roving rat reporter, this lively classroom film helps children understand the people, places and events behind the Great Fire in an accessible, memorable way.
World War Two: A Mr Dilly Film Special
A Mr Dilly-led history special combining studio storytelling, pupil questions, archive footage and character scenes to help children understand the Second World War, remembrance and VE Day.
WW2 Remembered: From the Outbreak of War to VE Day
KS2 and lower KS3 / ages 8–13 / UK Years 4–8 / US Grades 3–8
Join Mr Dilly for a powerful, age-appropriate journey through the Second World War, created especially for schools.
Filmed in the studio, this special programme combines clear historical storytelling, pupil questions, archive footage and narrative overviews to help children understand why the war began, Russia’s involvement, and major events of WWII including Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, D-Day and VE Day.
The programme also includes a Mr Dilly WWII film, featuring character scenes such as an air raid warden and a civilian at a VE Day street party, helping pupils connect with the human stories behind the history.
Includes audio featured on BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey.
History Through Story (Author Conversations)
History-focused author events exploring real events through conversation, readings and the stories behind powerful children’s books.
These events combine author insight, historical context, storytelling and big questions — helping pupils see how fiction can open up the past and reveal the people, choices, dangers and ideas behind history.
WW2 Resistance: The Story Behind Resist | Mr Dilly in conversation with Tom Palmer
KS2 and lower KS3 / ages 8–13 / UK Years 4–8 / US Grades 3–8
With Mr Dilly and award-winning author Tom Palmer, pupils explore the real stories behind WWII resistance and the powerful history that inspired Tom’s novel Resist.
This author discussion uncovers courage, secrecy, occupation, Nazi-occupied Holland and the Dutch Resistance story at the heart of the book, including the remarkable wartime experiences of Audrey Hepburn.
Through conversation, historical context and storytelling, pupils are invited to think about bravery, resistance and the choices ordinary people made in extraordinary circumstances.
A thoughtful, accessible film that connects real history with powerful fiction.
The Great Fire of London: What Really Happened? | Mr Dilly in conversation with Lindsay Galvin
Suitable for KS2 / ages 7–11 / UK Years 3–6 / US Grades 2–5 - Also useful for Great Fire of London topic work in KS1 with teacher support.
What was it really like to live through the Great Fire of London in 1666?
Mr Dilly is joined by acclaimed author Lindsay Galvin to explore the people, decisions and chaos of the Great Fire of London, and the history and storytelling behind her book The Great Phoenix of London.
Together, they uncover life in 17th-century London — from Pudding Lane and firefighting to myth, memory and imagination — and explore how real history can inspire powerful stories.
Featuring readings from the book and a lively conversation, this episode gives pupils a vivid picture of one of London’s most dramatic events.
WW2 After Dunkirk: The Story Behind Angel of Grasmere | Mr Dilly in conversation with Tom Palmer
KS2 and lower KS3 / ages 8–13 / UK Years 4–8 / US Grades 3–8
With Mr Dilly and award-winning author Tom Palmer, pupils explore the real stories behind WWII and the events that inspired Tom’s moving novel Angel of Grasmere.
This author discussion looks at what happened before, during and after Dunkirk, the impact of war on rural communities in England, the experience of young evacuees, and the difficult choices faced by soldiers and civilians during wartime.
Combining history, storytelling and author insight, this film helps pupils see how real events can inspire powerful fiction — and how stories can open up big questions about courage, fear, loyalty and survival.
Ancient Egypt Adventure: Story, Mystery & History | Mr Dilly in conversation with M.G. Leonard
Suitable for KS2 and lower KS3 / ages 8–13 / UK Years 4–8 / US Grades 3–8
What mysteries of Ancient Egypt still capture our imagination today?
Mr Dilly is joined by bestselling author M.G. Leonard to explore the ideas, history and storytelling behind The Hunt for the Golden Scarab.
Together, they dive into tombs, pharaohs, hidden secrets, adventure stories, character creation, quests and time-travel worlds — exploring how real history and imagination can work together.
With readings from the book, discussion and audience questions, this episode brings together history, mystery and storytelling in a fun and engaging way.
Christmas at War: The Arctic Convoys & Young Sailors of 1943 | Mr Dilly in conversation with Tom Palmer
Suitable for KS2 and lower KS3 / ages 8–13 / UK Years 4–8 / US Grades 3–8
While many families were celebrating Christmas in 1943, young sailors were battling freezing seas, darkness and enemy fire on the Arctic convoys.
In this special Mr Dilly’s World of History Christmas event, Mr Dilly is joined by award-winning author Tom Palmer to commemorate his book Arctic Star, and the 80th anniversary of the Battle of North Cape, fought across Christmas in the Arctic Circle.
Featuring Arctic convoy veterans, Tom Palmer speaking on board HMS Belfast, and the real history behind Arctic Star, this is a powerful reminder of what Christmas meant for those serving far from home — and why their stories still matter.