Episode sixteen of Pieces of History journeys into the rugged landscapes and complex past of Eritrea - a nation whose story is shaped by ancient empires, fierce colonial rivalries, and decades of struggle for independence.

In this episode, we explore Eritrea’s unique position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East - from its role in the ancient Aksumite Empire to centuries under Ottoman and Egyptian influence, followed by Italian colonization and the brutal fight against Ethiopian annexation.

What fuelled the thirty-year war for independence? How did colonial ambitions and shifting alliances shape Eritrea’s identity? And what challenges has this young nation faced since finally achieving sovereignty - including a devastating border war, authoritarian rule, and prolonged isolation?

This is more than a history of conflict and survival. It’s a story of resilience, cultural richness, and a people’s enduring hope for peace and self-determination.

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Eritrea

Episode fifteen of Pieces of History takes us deep into the eerie world of 17th-century Ireland, where ghost stories, political intrigue, and family legacies intertwine.

In this episode, we uncover the mysterious Beresford Apparition - a chilling spectral visitation involving Lady Beresford and Lord Tyrone that has haunted local memory for centuries. What was the story behind this famous ghostly encounter? How did it reflect the turbulent politics and social tensions of the era? And what role did prophecy and superstition play in shaping public perception?

More than just a tale of hauntings, this episode explores the fragile boundaries between history and folklore, power and prophecy — and how stories from the past continue to captivate and mystify us today.

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The Beresford Apparition

Episode fourteen of the new series of Pieces of History steps into the heart of 1970s Stockholm, where a botched bank heist gave rise to one of psychology’s most confounding concepts: Stockholm Syndrome.

In this episode, we unravel the tense six-day standoff at Kreditbanken in Norrmalmstorg Square - a robbery that turned into a media circus, a national spectacle, and a defining moment in the study of trauma and empathy. As police surrounded the building, something strange was happening inside: hostages began identifying with their captors, defending them, even fearing the authorities more than the gunmen.

Who were the players in this gripping drama? What psychological mechanisms were at work behind the vault doors? And how did a single phrase - “Stockholm Syndrome” - come to define hostage dynamics for generations?

This is more than a story of crime and crisis. It's a window into the human psyche, a moment when fear, trust, and identity collided - and changed how we understand captivity, survival, and loyalty.

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The Norrmalmstorg Robbery

Episode thirteen of the new series of Pieces of History heads into the rugged wilderness of British Columbia to uncover the story of the Cariboo Gold Rush — a lesser-known but no less dramatic chapter of 19th-century North American history.

This episode traces the feverish pursuit of fortune that drew thousands into remote mountain passes and dense forests, carving new routes through the Canadian frontier. I explore the chaotic rise of boomtowns, the role of Indigenous peoples and Chinese miners, and the shifting social fabric of a colony transformed by gold.

Who were the dreamers and desperados chasing their fortunes north? What trails did they blaze — and what did they leave behind? I peel back the myths to uncover the realities of daily life in the Cariboo: the hardship, the ambition, the injustice, and the fleeting glimmers of prosperity.

This is more than a tale of gold and grit. It's a story of how a rush for riches reshaped a landscape, a people, and the path of a nation.

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The Cariboo Gold Rush

Episode twelve of the new series of Pieces of History delves into the shadowy world of the Peruvian Inquisition, a chapter in colonial Latin American history often forgotten outside academic circles. This episode traces the complex layers of Peru’s past - from its rich geography and the legacy of powerful pre-Columbian empires, to the imposition of Spanish colonial rule and the creation of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

We explore how faith and fear intertwined in the workings of the Tribunal of the Holy Office, a tool of control cloaked in righteousness. Who were the inquisitors? Who stood accused? And how did this machine of secrecy and surveillance actually function?

We uncover the inner workings of the Inquisition - its procedures, its secrecy, and the machinery of control behind its solemn rituals. We meet the individuals, both feared and forgotten, who shaped and were shaped by this powerful institution. And we reflect on the lasting legacies of persecution and authority, considering how their echoes still reverberate through Peruvian history and cultural memory.

This is not just a story of trials and punishments - it's a deeper look at how power, belief, and silence shaped an entire society.

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The Peruvian Inquisition

Episode eleven of the new series of Pieces of History shines a light on the often-overlooked role of Irish women in Jacobite networks, revealing their significant yet underappreciated contributions to the cause. Far from passive observers, these women were active participants in the struggle to restore the Stuart monarchy, operating in a world of secrecy, strategy, and high stakes.

Joining me is historian Dr. Frances Nolan, recipient of the SFI-IRC Pathway Fellowship at the UCD School of History in 2023, whose research brings fresh insight into the crucial - yet frequently underestimated - contributions of Irish women to the Jacobite movement. Together, we examine the strategies they employed, the dangers they faced, and the lasting impact of their actions.

From clandestine communication to financial manoeuvring, these women were instrumental in the political and military efforts of the Jacobites. In this episode, we uncover their hidden stories, challenge traditional narratives, and explore how their influence shaped the course of history.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Dr. Frances Nolan:

The Jacobite Duchess:: Frances Jennings, Duchess of Tyrconnell, c.1649-1731

https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781783276141/the-jacobite-duchess/



The Hidden Rebels: Irish Women in the Jacobite Cause

In episode ten of the new season of Pieces of History, we turn our attention to the ancient and intricate world of heraldry. This episode features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Paul Fox, whose fascinating journey from a career in medicine to heraldic and genealogical scholarship sheds light on the enduring power of symbols, identity, and tradition.

Together, we explore the rich history of heraldry - from its medieval origins on the battlefield to its ceremonial and genealogical significance today. Dr. Fox unpacks the core elements of heraldic design, including the shield, crest, banner, badge, and supporters, explaining how each has evolved over centuries and what they represent.

We also reflect on how public interest in heraldry is shifting in the modern age and discuss how new audiences are engaging with these historic emblems. For listeners curious to learn more, Dr. Fox offers thoughtful guidance on where to begin their own exploration of heraldry.

What do these ancient symbols reveal about the people and societies that created them? And why do they still matter today? Join us as we uncover The Art of Heraldry.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Dr. Paul Fox:

https://www.drpaulfoxfsa.com/

The Art of Heraldry

Episode nine of the new season of Pieces of History uncovers the rich and often haunting history of Ireland’s graveyards. In this episode, we explore Friar’s Bush Graveyard, one of Belfast’s oldest burial sites, and its deep connections to the city’s past.

Joining me are Dr Deirdre Nic an tSionnaigh and John Bradbury from Cairde na Cille, a group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Ireland’s graveyards. Together, we delve into the key moments that have defined Friar’s Bush - from its ancient origins and ties to the penal era to its role during the devastating cholera epidemics. We’ll also uncover the stories of notable individuals buried there and examine how this site serves as a vital link to Belfast’s history.

What secrets lie beneath the headstones? And how does this graveyard reflect the broader history of Ireland and its people? In this episode, we reveal the remarkable stories, key events, and enduring significance of Friar’s Bush Graveyard.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Cairde na Cille:

https://cairdenacille.org/

Friar's Bush Graveyard

Episode eight of the new season of Pieces of History explores the fascinating intersection of investigative journalism and the mysteries of reincarnation. Award-winning journalist and author Tom Shroder joins me to discuss Old Souls, his compelling book that follows the groundbreaking research of Dr. Ian Stevenson, a pioneer in the study of past-life memories.

We’ll dive into Tom’s career in journalism, his firsthand experiences traveling to Lebanon and India to investigate extraordinary case studies, and the children whose detailed recollections of past lives defy explanation. What drew Tom to this subject? How did his journalistic approach shape his perspective on reincarnation? And what do these cases reveal about the nature of consciousness and identity?

Join us as we uncover the remarkable stories at the heart of Old Souls and examine the enduring question - could we have lived before?

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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Old Souls:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Old-Souls-Scientific-Search-Proof/dp/068485192X



Old Souls

Episode seven of the new season of Pieces of History takes us into the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Ireland, where revolution, political upheaval, and shifting ideologies shaped the nation’s future. In this episode, we examine the life and legacy of General Eoin O’Duffy - one of Ireland’s most controversial figures.

Joining me is historian Jack Traynor, author of General Eoin O’Duffy: The Political Life of an Irish Firebrand. Together, we explore O’Duffy’s rise from his role in the Irish War of Independence and Civil War to his tenure as the first Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. We also examine his leadership of the Blueshirts, his embrace of fascist politics, and the broader European influences on his ideology.

From revolutionary hero to political pariah, O’Duffy’s legacy remains divisive. In this episode, we uncover the complexities of his character, the turbulent era that shaped him, and how his actions reflected both Ireland’s struggles and the wider political currents of the 1930s.

Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com

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General Eoin O'Duffy: The Political Life of an Irish Firebrand

https://www.amazon.co.uk/General-Eoin-ODuffy-Political-Firebrand/dp/1476693269

Eoin O'Duffy and the Blueshirts: Ireland’s Fascist Gamble

A podcast that delves into some renowned and lesser-known events throughout history.

Colum McGrath

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