Pieces of History

Episode six of the new season of Pieces of History takes us beneath the waves, where archaeology and history converge to uncover lost stories of the transatlantic slave trade. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking work of the Slave Wrecks Project, an international effort to locate and study shipwrecks tied to the global slave trade. Joining me is Dr. Steve Lubkemann, maritime archaeologis...

Episode five of the new season of Pieces of History takes us deep into the heart of Ireland, where oral history preserves a powerful narrative of resistance, sacrifice, and memory. In this episode, we uncover the tragic story of the Scariff Martyrs - four young Irishmen executed by British forces in 1920 during the War of Independence. Joining me is historian and award-winning Oral Historian Tomás...

Episode four of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to the vast landscapes of Central Asia, as we explore the history, politics, and culture of Kazakhstan with journalist Joanna Lillis. In this episode, we’ll trace Kazakhstan’s journey from its Soviet past to its present-day identity as a modern nation. We’ll examine the country’s political landscape, the impact of independence, and the c...

Episode three of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of “The Death Match” – Start vs Flakelf. In this episode, we’ll explore the rich history of Ukraine, from its early origins to its cultural and political evolution. We’ll dive into the development of football in the country, tracing its growth and the rise of Dynamo Kiev as a dominant force. Finally, we’ll uncov...

Episode two of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of Alamut Castle. In this episode, we’ll journey to the dramatic setting of this legendary stronghold, exploring its strategic location and uncovering the purpose behind its creation. We'll investigate who established and utilised Alamut, with a focus on the enigmatic Order of the Assassins and their intriguing hi...

Welcome back to Pieces of History! After a four-year hiatus, the podcast that brings you captivating tales from the past is making its long-awaited return. This season, I’m diving back into the events, people, and stories that shaped our world - both the famous and forgotten. Kicking off our new series is a spine-tingling episode on the Trinity Street Ghost , a chilling tale that captured the imag...

Joining me this week is acclaimed author and journalist David Winner. David is best known for his groundbreaking book, Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football , a seminal work that goes beyond the pitch to explore the deep connections between Dutch football, national identity, and cultural history. In this episode, we delve into the origins of Total Football in the 1960s, tracing i...

Joining me this week is Professor James Olson, a veteran of the intelligence world with over thirty years of experience in the Directorate of Operations at the Central Intelligence Agency. Throughout his distinguished career, he served primarily overseas in clandestine operations, navigating the complex and often dangerous world of espionage. In this episode, Professor Olson generously shares insi...

Alex returns to the podcast for the final installment of our exploration of the Story of 1066. In this episode, we examine the reign of Edward the Confessor and the political tensions that set the stage for one of the most pivotal years in English history. We delve into the rise of Harold Godwinson, his claim to the throne, and the turbulent months leading up to the Norman invasion. Alex also take...

Alex returns to the podcast as we continue our deep dive into the Story of 1066. In this episode, we step back in time to explore the foundations of early medieval England, beginning with the Kingdom of Wessex and the pivotal role of King Alfred the Great in shaping its future. Alex unpacks the significance of the Witan, the council of nobles and clergy that advised the Anglo-Saxon kings, and expl...

Joining me this week to delve into the dramatic events of 1066 is historian Alex Dymond. Alex is a specialist in medieval England and France, focusing on the period between the 9th and 12th centuries. He is currently pursuing a doctoral thesis at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, examining the estates of the dukes of Normandy and the kings of England from 911 to 1135. With his deep expertise in Norm...

Join me as we continue unraveling the mystery of the Gang of Nivelles. In this episode, we pick up in September 1983, following the gang as their reign of terror escalates toward its violent and enigmatic conclusion in November 1985. We’ll examine their chillingly calculated attacks, the patterns that emerged, and the devastating toll they left in their wake. Beyond the crimes themselves, we’ll de...

Welcome to the first episode of the second season of Pieces of History. This week, we’re diving into one of Belgium’s most chilling and perplexing mysteries - the case of the Gang of Nivelles. Between 1982 and 1985, this ruthless trio carried out a series of violent attacks and robberies, leaving a trail of fear and unanswered questions in their wake. Their crimes, marked by extreme brutality and...

Welcome to the thirteenth episode of Pieces of History. I’m joined by award-winning oral historian and storyteller Madeline McCully, creator of derryghosts.com. Madeline has spent years uncovering the eerie folklore of Ireland, and today, she’ll be sharing the chilling tale of Abhartach, the legendary Irish vampire. Long before Dracula, this bloodthirsty figure struck fear into the hearts of those...

Joining me this week is Katharine Fellows, a DPhil candidate in History at St Peter’s College, Oxford. Katharine will be shedding light on the infamous House of Borgia, with a particular focus on Rodrigo Borgia, who rose to power as Pope Alexander VI. We'll explore his controversial papacy, the political intrigue that surrounded his rule, and the lasting legacy of the Borgia family in Renaissance...

Welcome to this special bonus episode of Pieces of History. This week, I'm joined by historian David Alvarez to delve into the origins of the Swiss Guard in the 16th century. We'll explore the political and military landscape that led to their formation, the state of the Papacy during this turbulent period, and how the Swiss Guard evolved from an active military force into the iconic ceremonial un...

Welcome to the tenth episode of Pieces of History. This week, I'm joined once again by Dr. Richard McElligott as we continue our discussion on the Gaelic Athletic Association at the turn of the 20th century, exploring the club and county game of the time and the GAA's role during Ireland's revolutionary era. Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com Facebook: Pieces of History podcast Instagram: @piec...

Welcome to episode nine of Pieces of History. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Richard McElligott from Dundalk Institute of Technology to explore the origins and early history of one of Ireland’s most influential cultural institutions - the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Founded in 1884, the GAA was more than just a sporting organisation; it was a movement that played a crucial role in shaping Iri...

Welcome to episode eight of Pieces of History. I’m joined by Emma McAlister, a PhD candidate at Queen’s University Belfast, to explore the fascinating world of Objects and Material Culture. Together, we’ll uncover how historical objects shape our understanding of the past, from religious relics to hidden places of worship. We’ll discuss artifacts like the Shrine of St. Patrick’s Hand and the Relic...

Welcome to episode seven of Pieces of History. This week, I’m joined by author Heather Darsie as we delve into the fascinating and complex history of the Habsburgs and the Netherlands. We’ll explore the political and religious upheavals that shaped the region, from the impact of the Reformation and Martin Luther’s challenge to the Catholic Church to the rule of Emperor Charles V of Spain and his s...

Welcome to episode six of Pieces of History. A story of explorers, colonisation, plunder, slavery, and exploitation - few episodes in history are as dark as King Leopold’s rule over the Congo. This week, I’ll be uncovering the brutal history of the Congo Free State, a vast territory personally controlled by Belgium’s King Leopold II in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Under the guise of phi...

Welcome to episode five of Pieces of History. Spies, kidnappings, informants, wiretapping, blackmail, and even murder - the StB was involved in it all. This week, I’ll be diving into the shadowy world of the Czechoslovak State Security (Státní bezpečnost, or StB) during the Cold War. As the secret police of Communist Czechoslovakia, the StB operated as an extension of Soviet influence, using surve...

Welcome to episode four of Pieces of History. This week, I’ll be exploring the origins of New Amsterdam and how it evolved into one of the most vital trading hubs of the New World. To understand its beginnings, we’ll first look at the Dutch Empire of the 16th century, a time of rapid expansion and maritime dominance. We’ll trace the arrival of the Dutch to America in the early 17th century, the fo...

Welcome to episode three of Pieces of History. This week, I’ll be diving into the history of one of the most powerful and secretive criminal organisations in the world - the ‘Ndrangheta. We’ll start by exploring the origins of the Italian Mafia, the social and economic conditions that gave rise to organised crime in southern Italy, and how the ‘Ndrangheta emerged in the rugged landscapes of Calabr...

Welcome to the second episode of Pieces of History. This week, I’ll be exploring the remarkable rise of Dubai - from its early days as a small fishing and pearl-diving village along the Persian Gulf to its transformation into one of the largest and most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates. We’ll delve into its early history, the arrival of Islam in the region, and how Dubai evolved under v...