Rocket Licensing, UK and Ireland licensing agent and POC member, has teamed up with the UK National Trust to bring Horrible Histories to West London’s Osterley Park and House.
With a focus on its ‘Gorgeous Georgians’ segment, the partnership with Europe’s largest conservation charity will create an interactive family-friendly trail exploring the history of the Georgian manor house and estate. The children’s history brand, Horrible Histories, began 31 years ago with the publication of Terry Deary’s book series, illustrated by Martin Brown and published by Scholastic. It has since become a much-loved BAFTA-award-winning TV series, feature film, and licensing campaign.
Licensees include Tonie story characters based on Rotten Romans, Terrible Tudors and the all-new Vicious Vikings; board games and card games from University Games; Top Trumps and Monopoly games from Winning Moves; and even collectible coins from Group 288. More products are on the way this year including a new Monopoly game from Winning Moves.
The Osterley Park trail adds to the brands portfolio of family activity areas, such as its Roman-themed trail at The British Museum, a maze at Warwick Castle, Horrible Histories Pirates at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, and escape rooms in Liverpool and Coventry. The spin-off book, Horrible Science, has also licensed for trails in Kew Gardens and Wakehurst.
Melissa Satterly, brand manager, Rocket Licensing, commented, “A wonderful building steeped in history with massive family appeal is the perfect venue for a family event that delves into the highs and lows of a truly fascinating era. Horrible Histories and Osterley Park and House are a perfect match for an engaging experiential activation for families!”
The popular National Trust-owned estate will host the trail from 17 February to 31 August, which will see a combinational of games, activities, and historical information, including ten interactive stories featuring child rat catchers, chimney sweeps, pirates, and highway men. Access to and participation in the Horrible Histories activities is included in the price of Osterley House and Park.
Elizabeth Scoggins, non-fiction, brands and licensing publisher, Scholastic UK, said, “We’re thrilled to see Terry and Martin’s world’s bestselling children’s history-book series bring its unique take on some of the Gorgeous Georgian era’s most fascinating and foul events on a real Georgian estate. Young and old will love the activities, the stories and, of course, the venue. Our thanks to the National Trust and, of course, to the many Gorgeous Georgians this interactive family-friendly trail celebrates.”
The National Trust cares for miles of coastline, woodlands, and countryside, as well as hundreds of historic buildings and gardens. Its objective is for people and nature to thrive, and to make history and countryside accessible to everyone.
