1969. Young Billy Stevenson climbs the chimney of a half-demolished house. He’s about to drop back down when he notices a tin box hidden in the brick. Could it be treasure? Show more
Prospectors by the busload arrive to dig through the rubble in search of more gold sovereigns. Billy Stevenson says he had them all, but a local historian tells a different story. Show more
Assume Nothing: The Shankill Gold Rush
(Long, long) After the Gold Rush
14 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
Over half a century has passed since a hoard of gold coins was found in the remains of a tenement building in Belfast. Where are the coins now? Or have they been lost to time? Show more
Assume Nothing: The Shankill Gold Rush
Whose Gold?
14 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LWLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LW
A rumour has persisted for 50 years about who owned the gold found in 1969, but as Glenn Patterson investigates he's stunned to find that it might have links to the United Irishmen Show more
Just a fortnight after Billy Stevenson found treasure in July 1969 the Troubles erupted and headlines of the gold rush were replaced by ones of violence and terror. Show more