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The Rest Is History

The Rest Is History

By: Goalhanger
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Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook. Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive weekly newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the show, 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.Goalhanger Podcasts World
Episodes
  • 581. The Irish Civil War: The Killing of Michael Collins (Part 2)
    Jul 9 2025
    After the assassination of Sir Henry Wilson and the signing of the polarising Anglo-Irish Treaty, how did the bombastic Battle of the Four Courts break out in Dublin? With British guns opening fire on the building, how long did the men of the IRA hold out? What was the outcome of the battle? With the IRA split, were more people for or against the Anglo-Irish treaty? Was Michael Collins trying to bring the war to a close by this point? Why were he and Éamon de Valera so opposed? How was Michael Collins killed in 1922, and why? Who killed him? And, how significant was this for the future of Ireland? To end their mighty series on the Irish Civil War, Dominic and Tom are joined once more by historian Ronan McGreevy, to discuss the dramatic Battle of Dublin, the death of Michael Collins, and the fate of Ireland in that cataclysmic conflict. 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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    47 mins
  • 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. *Hearing the wrong audio for this episode on Apple Podcasts?* Please “Remove Download” using the 3 dots in the top right corner of your screen, and then “Download Episode” again. Email us at TheRestIsHistory@goalhanger.com for more support. 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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    50 mins
  • 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
All stars
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I've always enjoyed the books written by Tom and Dominic so I gave the podcast a go. Best decision, I thoroughly enjoy listening to them and their guests. Really fascinating breadth of subjects and genuinely warm and witty delivery. 5 stars, would recommend!

Informative, educational and entertaining!!

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This episode is great the narrators are excellent, funny and witty whilst informative and thought provoking. So thought provoking I triggered myself (stupidly) as my previous review is unkind and I unfortunately focused on the final minutes of speculation about potential future civil war in developed democratic nations rather than the whole piece which was great.

Please delete my last review .. its rubbish

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so interesting and gently fun. couldn't fault it. Costa Rica my favourite country now.

perfect podcast

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Love this podcast, perfect mix of humour and learning. I listen during my weekend walks and also on holiday. Please keep them coming 👍.

Perfect podcast

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This is an excellent podcast. informative, erudite, sometimes funny, and, crucially, no annoying presenters. Super.

does exactly what it says on the tin

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This is a great podcast which covers a huge variety of interesting historical topics. I love it. Thank you from Ireland.

Great History Stories

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Great subjects, music and gentle voices amazing how the listener just drifts into it. Perfect to listen to at any time.

Wonderful!

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Sensitively told,. Incredibly moving story, I found the second half of the show very powerful

Superb episode

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I have learnt so much from these interesting, educational and entertaining podcasts. I am now officially hooked on The Rest is History. A big thank you to Messrs Sandbrook and Holland for making history accessible and fun.

Fabulous podcast series

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Dominic and Tom do a great job of bringing to life history and making sense of some pretty massivel moments and trends playing out over the decades / centuries. At the pods core through they tell our history through good old storytelling successfully managing to blend in their analysis without dulling it.

keep going lads

Great pod for history newcomers and old vets alike.

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