Episodes

  • 580. The Irish Civil War: The Assassination of Sir Henry Wilson (Part 1)

    580. The Irish Civil War: The Assassination of Sir Henry Wilson (Part 1)
    Jul 6 2025
    Who was Sir Henry Wilson, and how was he shockingly murdered in 1922? Who ordered it? What was his attitude to the question of Irish Home Rule? Why has death been compared to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose death triggered the First World War? How did he garner the undying enmity of British Prime Minister, Herbert Henry Asquith? What was Wilson’s reputation in Ireland then, and how has it endured to this day? And, how did Wilson’s unexpected death impact the future of Irish independence? In this week’s episode, Tom and Dominic are joined by historian Ronan McGreevy, to discuss the pivotal assassination of Sir Henry Wilson, whose death launched the tumultuous Irish Civil War. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • 579. The Irish War of Independence: Showdown in London (Part 4)

    579. The Irish War of Independence: Showdown in London (Part 4)
    Jul 2 2025
    What were the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed in December 1921, following negotiations between the UK and Sinn Féin? How was it received by the Irish people? What was the process by which it was agreed between Lloyd George, Winston Churchill, Michael Collins, and Arthur Griffith? Why did Éamon de Valera object to the treaty, and how did this sow the seeds of civil war? Had the Irish beaten the British militarily up to this point? And, what would be the consequences of this controversial treaty for the future of Ireland, and Anglo-Irish relations? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the totemic Anglo-Irish Treaty - one of the most controversial moments in Irish political history, which would transform the fate of Ireland forever… The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 578. The Irish War of Independence: Bloody Sunday (Part 3)

    578. The Irish War of Independence: Bloody Sunday (Part 3)
    Jun 29 2025
    What occurred on Bloody Sunday on 21 November 1920 - a turning point in the Irish War of Independence and one of the bloodiest and most brutal moments in Irish history? How many British Army Officers were assassinated on the instructions of firebrand political leader, Michael Collins, that morning? Then, how many civilians did the British army gun down during a Gaelic football match at Croke Park that afternoon, and why given it was largely unprovoked? And, what events did that fateful day set in motion along the road to Irish Independence, by turning Irish public opinion against the British government? In today’s episode, Dominic and Tom are joined once more by historian Paul Rouse, to discuss one of the most tragic events of the entire Irish War of Independence; Bloody Sunday. ⁠The Rest Is History Club⁠: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to ⁠therestishistory.com⁠ to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: ⁠apple.co/therestishistory⁠. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to ⁠www.goalhanger.com⁠ _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • 577. The Irish War of Independence: The Violence Begins (Part 2)

    577. The Irish War of Independence: The Violence Begins (Part 2)
    Jun 25 2025
    What was Sinn Féin’s totemic first move after winning a majority seat in 1917? Were the IRA’s methods during this early stages of the war as violent as they are commonly believed to have been? How sectarian was the IRA? What crucial strategy did the Irish adopt in order to overwhelm English efforts to re-establish control in Ireland? As a victor of the First World War, was Ireland’s struggle for independence unique amongst the revolutions and changing fortunes of other nations during the post war years? And, what enabled the famous Michael Collins to attain a great leadership role in Irish politics? In today’s episode on some of the seismic moments of the Irish War of Independence and the rising tide of bloodshed and violence, Tom and Dominic are joined again by historian Paul Rouse. Extraordinary revolutionary leaders, post war politics, and the crucial role of women in this seminal struggle, all feature… The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 576. The Irish War of Independence: Rise of the IRA (Part 1)

    576. The Irish War of Independence: Rise of the IRA (Part 1)
    Jun 22 2025
    What are the origins of the Irish War of Independence? What impact did the First World War have on Irish efforts for Home Rule? What was the mood in Ireland following the bloody Easter Rising of 1916? And, who was Éamon de Valera, the man who dominated the story of not only Irish politics in the 20th century, but also the entire story of Irish independence? As they launch back into the epic and tumultuous Irish War of Independence, Dominic and Tom are joined once again by historian Paul Rouse, to discuss one of the most important conflicts in the history of Britain. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 575. The Medici: The Bonfire of the Vanities (Part 4)

    575. The Medici: The Bonfire of the Vanities (Part 4)
    Jun 19 2025
    Following the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent, who was his Medici successor? Could he overcome the political turmoil and religious fervour in Florence, and rebuff the storm clouds of war gathering over his city with the approaching French army? How did this burgeoning catastrophe catapult the magnetic priest, Savonalrolla, to supreme power in Florence? Could he save it from the jaws of death with his fiercely puritanical regime? And, how would he become the bane of the Medici and destroy all they had ever built, in a roaring bonfire of worldly vanities? Join Dominic and Tom for the climactic apotheosis of their glittering, dramatic, salacious and utterly bombastic journey through the rise and fall of the flamboyant Medici at the high point of Renaissance Florence, and the charismatic priest who would save and then conquer their kingdom. What would be his fate…? The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 574. The Medici: Curse of the Mad Monk (Part 3)

    574. The Medici: Curse of the Mad Monk (Part 3)
    Jun 15 2025
    Did Lorenzo de’Medici’s rule in Florence incur prosperity, or was it a corrupt and autocratic regime, rife with torture, that would spell the doom of the former Republic? While building an edifice of power, wealth and luxury, how was he secretly bankrupting his famous family and city? Was he really the perfect Renaissance Prince, and how did he launch the careers of both Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci? And, with poverty and riots on the streets of Florence, who was Girolamo Savonarola, the Dominican priest bent on destroying Lorenzo and his family, while predicting the apocalyptic end of the world…? Join Dominic and Tom as they chart the rise and fall of Lorenzo the Magnificent, the ruin of Florence, and the hellfire and brimstone priest, destined to set the world on fire. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 573. The Medici: Lorenzo the Magnificent (Part 2)

    573. The Medici: Lorenzo the Magnificent (Part 2)
    Jun 11 2025
    Who was Lorenzo the Magnificent, the most glamorous, glittering, and blood-soaked of all the Medici, who became his family’s formidable but compulsive “Godfather” from the age of only twenty one? What was the Pazzi Conspiracy, in which he was almost murdered in a bloody plot to eliminate Medici supremacy in Florence, in the middle of a church mass? Were the Medici the first Italian mafia? What influence did Lorenzo have upon the Renaissance? And, what would become of the Medici, with conspirators circling, the Papacy against them, and their bank coffers draining away? Join Dominic and Tom as they dive into the colourful, salacious and politically tumultuous early life of one of Europe’s most charming and charismatic figures: Lorenzo the Magnificent. Could he remain Prince of Florence, and save his beloved city, against all the odds? ⁠The Rest Is History Club⁠: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to ⁠therestishistory.com⁠ to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: ⁠apple.co/therestishistory⁠. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to ⁠www.goalhanger.com⁠ _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min