Through the 18th and 19th century, large numbers of Irishmen served in the British Army. However there were also many Irishwomen whose lives were interwoven with the military. While not soldiers they became part of the army through marriage to members of the regiments stationed in Ireland. This lead to unusual and captivating lives.

In this episode I interview historian Dr Aoife Bhreatnach about a Cork woman called Bridget Kent who married a British Army soldier. Aoife gives great insights into the life of Bridget who was born in Fermoy in 1859 but after her marriage to a soldier her life changed dramatically. Aoife gives vivid details about the incredible travels she engaged in which took Bridget from Egypt to Bermuda, but also what life was like when she returned home to an Ireland where attitudes towards the British Army were changing during the First World War and the War of Independence. 

Aoife has her own podcast Censored - which looks at the history of banned books in Ireland. Check out Censored here.

She also has a great blog Garrison towns 

Become a supporter & access dozens of exclusive podcasts

Patreon www.patreon.com/irishpodcast

Acast https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory

📢June 2023 Update - New Walking Tour 📢

I am thrilled to announce my brand new walking tour in Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Join me and explore 1,000 years of history from the Vikings to Cromwell & Strongbow to the Irish Revolution.  Enhanced by wireless headsets 🎧 you will hear the sounds of the city through the ages and the words of the people who made history in Waterford. Tours take place each Saturday and places are strictly limited to 15 people. Book your place today at  www.Irishhistorypodcast.ie/tours

*New Book: A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders *

My new book A Lethal Legacy - A History of Ireland in 18 Murders is available for Pre-Order now. If you order your copy today at Easons and use the promo code FD10  you get a 10% discount 

Easons https://www.easons.com/a-lethal-legacy-finbar-dwyer-9780008555993

Promo code FD10

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.