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Available Episodes

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Kilkenny: Where History Walks the Streets
Episode nineteen of the new season of Pieces of History takes us to the heart of Ireland’s medieval capital - Kilkenny. I’m joined by John Comerford, a local historian and tour guide, to explore the city’s rich past and enduring legacy.Together, we’ll walk through Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, uncovering stories behind its well-preserved cobblestone streets, soaring cathedrals, and, of course, the imposing Kilkenny Castle. John shares how the city’s unique blend of Norman, ecclesiastical, and civic architecture reflects centuries of power, faith, and community life.From medieval guilds to political intrigue, from the Black Abbey to St. Canice’s Cathedral, we’ll reveal how Kilkenny’s monuments are more than stone - they are living markers of Ireland’s turbulent and fascinating history.How has Kilkenny managed to preserve its medieval charm so vividly into the 21st century? And what do its landmarks tell us about Ireland’s wider story of conquest, resilience, and cultural identity?Join us as we journey into the streets and stories of Kilkenny, guided by one of the people who knows them best.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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A Most Audacious Heist
Episode eighteen of the new season of Pieces of History delves into a tale of intrigue, ambition, and one of the most daring thefts in history. Journalist and podcast writer Emma-Jane Kirby joins me to discuss A Most Audacious Heist, her gripping show that uncovers the extraordinary true story of the theft of the Sisi Star - a priceless diamond hairpiece belonging to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi.We’ll explore Emma-Jane’s journey from journalism to podcasting and how her investigative background shapes the way she brings historical narratives to life. Together, we’ll unravel the story of Daniel Blanchard, the enigmatic thief at the centre of this audacious crime, and the life and legacy of Empress Sisi, a figure both adored and misunderstood in 19th-century Europe.Was the theft a crime of greed, a political statement, or something more? And how does this heist fit into the broader historical landscape of its time? Join us as we dive into a story of glamour, deception, and high-stakes intrigue.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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The Princely House
Episode seventeen of the new series of Pieces of History journeys deep into the Alps - and deeper still into one of Europe’s quietest royal dynasties: the Princely House of Liechtenstein.In this episode, we follow the unlikely rise of a family that didn’t conquer a kingdom - they bought one. From medieval Austria to the court of the Habsburg emperors, the Liechtensteins navigated war, revolution, and exile not with armies, but with alliances, land deals, and political calculation.Why did they acquire two obscure Alpine territories? How did they go from absentee landlords to active monarchs? And how, in a century that shattered empires and toppled kings, did Liechtenstein survive - and thrive?This isn’t just a story about a tiny country with discreet banks and snowy peaks. It’s about status, survival, and the art of monarchy in the shadows - a house that forged a nation not for power, but for legitimacy, and ended up outlasting the very empire that once defined it.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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Eritrea
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.Email: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypod
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The Hidden Rebels: Irish Women in the Jacobite Cause
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: [email protected]: Pieces of History podcastInstagram: @pieceofhistorypodDr. Frances Nolan:The Jacobite Duchess:: Frances Jennings, Duchess of Tyrconnell, c.1649-1731https://boydellandbrewer.com/9781783276141/the-jacobite-duchess/
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