From Cork to Bermuda: An Irishwoman's life in the British Army

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  Support the show www.patreon.com/irishpodcast www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/shop  


See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Om Podcasten

From the Norman Invasion to the War of Independence, the Irish History Podcast brings you on a journey through the most fascinating stories in Ireland's past. Whether it’s the siege of Dublin in 1171 or gun battles in the 1920s, the podcast vividly recreates a sense of time and place. Each episode is meticulously researched creating character driven narratives that are engaging and accessible for all.Since the first episode was released back in 2010, the podcast has covered scores of fascinating stories. Major multipart series have covered the Great Hunger, the Norman Invasion and Irish involvement in the Spanish Civil War. If you are looking for stand alone shows there are also hundreds of podcasts covering topics from medieval sex magic to Irish connections in the Jack the Ripper murders!Why not start with 'A Very Irish Murder in Cincinnati' an episode from February 2019. Its an enthralling story - you wont be disappointed! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.