Mr Dilly’s World of History
Exciting history videos for schools, teachers, and curious minds
Step into Mr Dilly’s World of History, where the past isn’t just explained — it’s experienced.
From the battlefields of World War Two, to the flames of the Great Fire of London, to the temples and cities of the ancient world, each episode takes you on a journey into the people, places, and moments that shaped our world.
Through a mix of high-energy multi-character films, immersive guided explorations, and lively studio conversations with authors and historians, these history videos for KS1, KS2 and early KS3 bring learning to life in a way that works in the classroom and beyond.
One moment you’re meeting characters from the past, the next you’re uncovering real artefacts or hearing expert insight — making history engaging, memorable, and meaningful.
Perfect for schools, teachers, and home learning — especially suited to ages 7–13 (KS1 to early KS3).
Watch History Videos
Multi-character history videos for schools that bring the past to life through story, performance, and engaging KS1–KS3 learning.
The Maya: Cities, Gods & Lost Civilisation | KS2
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 will discover temples, kings, cities, gods, calendars, rainforest life and the beliefs that shaped Maya culture. Along the way, they’ll 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.
Suitable for KS2.
The Great Fire of London: Plague, Fire & Survival | KS1 and KS2
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 will 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.
Suitable for KS1 and KS2.
WW2 Remembered: From the Outbreak of War to VE Day | KS2 & KS3
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 storytelling, pupil questions and clear narrative overviews to help children understand why the war began, Russia’s involvement, and some of the 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.
Suitable for KS2 and lower KS3.
Looking for Live History Experiences?
Explore Mr Dilly’s History Live — filmed on location at museums and historical sites, with expert guests and real artefacts.
History Through Story (Author Events)
History-focused author events for schools, exploring real historical events through conversation with leading authors and the stories behind their books.
WW2 Resistance: The Story Behind Resist | Mr Dilly in conversation with Tom Palmer | KS2 &KS3
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, resistance, 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, secrecy, occupation and the choices ordinary people made in extraordinary circumstances. A thoughtful, accessible film that connects real history with powerful fiction.
Suitable for KS2 and lower KS3.
WW2 After Dunkirk: The Story Behind Angel of Grasmere | Mr Dilly in conversation with Tom Palmer | Ks2 & KS3
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.
Suitable for KS2 and lower KS3.
Looking for Live History Experiences?
Explore Mr Dilly’s History Live — filmed on location at museums and historical sites, with expert guests and real artefacts.