The Troubles - A Secret History

Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History

Original version

BBC Northern Ireland region started on 19th April 1955 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One Northern Ireland.

BBC One

BBC One Northern Ireland

Documentaries

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Factual: History

Documentary series offering new insights into the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Episode 1

BBC Four

BBC Four HD

Simulcast of BBC One Northern Ireland in high definition. From 24/10/2012

BBC One Northern Ireland HD

Darragh MacIntyre

Chris Thornton

Gwyneth Jones

Jeremy Adams

Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History: Series 1: Episode 1

Series 1

BBC One - Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History, Series 1, Episode 1

New revelations about the Northern Ireland conflict, 50 years after troops were sent in.

Northern Ireland’s leading team of investigative journalists reveal important new discoveries about the outbreak of the conflict known as the Troubles, 50 years after troops were deployed. 

Fifty years after troops were sent onto the streets of Northern Ireland, a leading team of investigative journalists uncover secrets about the decades-long conflict that claimed more than 3,700 lives. Reporter Darragh MacIntyre opens the series, discovering an array of new evidence, including previously classified documents, unseen film and fresh testimony from key new witnesses to the origins of the Troubles. It throws light on the formation of the Provisional Irish Republican Army as well as the parts played by radicals who became elder statesmen like Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness.

In this episode, the Spotlight team traces how, in the 1960s, suspicion led to unrest between unionists and nationalists, undermining Northern Ireland’s government. The arrival of the British Army in August 1969 brought a respite, and the soldiers were enthusiastically greeted as protectors by many nationalists. That relationship was soured by fatal errors and calculated acts of violence. New information about Martin McGuinness’s role at that time is brought to light, and the episode concludes with the destruction of the Northern Ireland government, a moment when IRA members believed they were about to force the British Army out of Northern Ireland.

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Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret History

Series 1

Episode 1

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