Long before The Troubles, 7/7 and other modern terrorism, Britain faced a wave of bombings that shocked the Victorian world.

Step into one of the most overlooked chapters of British history in this gripping episode on the "Dynamite War" of the 1880s - often described as the first “war on terror.” Joined by Gillian O'Brien (author of The Darkness Echoing: Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion), James explains how Irish republican groups like the Clan Na Gael and Irish Republican Brotherhood carried out bombing campaigns in Britain, bringing political violence to the heart of the London.

Learn how advances in explosives like dynamite - invented by Alfred Nobel of peace prize fame - changed the nature of asymmetrical warfare and terrorism, creating fear, media frenzy, and new policing tactics. We break down key events, targets, and the debates within the Irish independence movement over the morality of terrorism.

This episode also examines how the British government responded with informers, spies and the development of the world's first bomb squad!

Perfect for listeners interested in history podcasts, Irish history, terrorism studies, political violence, and Victorian Britain, this episode provides deep insight into a forgotten conflict that helped shape modern ideas of terrorism and state response.

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In this episode, James is joined by Jem Duducu (author of The History of the Western Movie) to tell the story of a teenage gunslinger who became a legendary figure wrapped in folklore, media exaggeration, and historical debate – Billy the Kid.

Tracing the story of Billy’s criminal career and involvement in the Lincoln County War, we discuss how Hollywood films and pop culture transformed a young outlaw into a Wild West icon, generating the myth that he somehow survived his deadly encounter with the lawman Pat Garrett in 1881, and went on to live into the 1950s as a mysterious drifter and adventurer named Brushy Bill Roberts.

This episode is perfect for fans of true crime, American history, film history and Wild West legends. Whether you're curious about outlaw myths, frontier justice, or the real story behind Billy the Kid, you’ll discover surprising facts, historical insights, and the truth behind the legend.

Check out Jem’s book – The History of the Western Movie

Follow Jem @jemduducu

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In Part Two of this two-part History's Devils episode, James and Jayne finish the story of Donald Trump and Vince McMahon by explaining how the psychology of professional wrestling shaped Trump's two presidencies, and altered the way in which American politics operates.

Along the way, they discuss the similarities between alternative facts and Kayfabe (wrestling speak for "keeping it fake") and the connections between WWE and the MAGA movement, whilst pondering what a Vince McMahon presidency would look like?

Further Reading

• Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America
• Things to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon

00:00 - Introduction: Wrestling psychology in politics
02:15 - The concept of kayfabe and its significance
05:37 - Projecting success and inflating figures in rallies
08:11 - Trump’s manipulation of perceptions and alternate realities
13:08 - The use of promos, nickname attacks, and soundbites
17:14 - The rise of soundbite politics and social media dominance
21:26 - How Trump creates and blends realities with "alternative facts"
26:37 - The evolution of Trump's self-image and propaganda portraits
29:38 - The distortion of January 6th and the concept of political kayfabe
32:43 - The role of audience suspension of disbelief in support
36:31 - The spectacle ecosystem: rallies, chaos, and entertainment as political currency
40:37 - Pro wrestling, UFC, and the culture of machismo in Trump’s narrative
45:15 - The influence of WWE, political endorsements, and celebrity ties
50:07 - Hypothetical: Vince McMahon as a president and the wrestling of power
50:42 - Episode wrap-up and future reflections on political kayfabe

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Summary

Dive into one of the strangest and most revealing alliances in modern history as History’s Devils unpacks the decades-long relationship between Donald Trump and Vince McMahon.

In Part One of this two-part series, James and Jayne trace a 40-year connection between the future U.S. president and the controversial boss of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). From glitzy spectacle to behind-the-scenes scandal, they explore how ambition, media manipulation, and controversy fuelled both men’s rise to power.

Along the way, the hosts introduce a provocative thesis: to truly understand Donald Trump, you must first understand professional wrestling. Is modern American politics more performance than policy? And did the world of scripted rivalries, crowd psychology, and larger-than-life personas help shape a presidency?

Further Reading

• Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America
• Things to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to History’s Devils: Exploring Modern Scoundrels
02:07 - The Multi-Dimensional Influence of WWE on Politics
04:02 - Trump and McMahon: Masters of Audience Suspension of Disbelief
09:20 - Vince McMahon’s Childhood and Persona: Power and Insecurity
15:19 - Wrestling Territories, Monopoly, and Ruthless Business Tactics
18:05 - The Birth of WrestleMania and Its Cultural Impact
22:15 - Scandals, Legal Troubles, and Teflon Resilience
28:13 - Trump’s Early Wrestling Ties and the 1980s ‘Greed is Good’ Era
31:49 - WrestleMania in Atlantic City: Branding Manipulation
36:27 - Trump’s Return to Wrestling in the 2000s and ‘The Apprentice’
42:45 - Building the Trump Gimmick: From Wrestler to Reality TV Star
52:36 - The 2007 WrestleMania 23 and the ‘Battle of the Billionaires’
59:55 - The Final Face-Off and Trump’s Iconic WWE Persona
62:09 - Wrestling, Politics, Power, and the Future Landscape

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This week, James is taking a backseat and letting Paul Bavill (History Rage Podcast) dive into one of the most chilling true crime stories in British history – the poisonous rampage of Mary Ann Cotton. Widely believed to be Britain’s first female serial killer, Cotton was a seemingly ordinary Victorian who woman became known as the infamous “Black Widow,” accused of poisoning those closest to her for financial gain.

Set against the grim backdrop of Victorian England, this episode examines the disturbing pattern of deaths that followed Mary Ann Cotton wherever she went, and how life insurance schemes may have motivated her crimes – leaving a legacy that the people of Britain still feel today.

A must listen episode for fans of true crime, serial killer stories and tales of Victorian depravation.

When you’re done listening to this, check out History Rage

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In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by historian, author and scholar of Satan, Mikki Brock to explore the extraordinary life of John Dee, the famed court magician of Elizabeth I.

From occult practices and alchemy to conversations with angels - and possibly demons - this episode dives into Dee’s myth-making, confidence tricks, and his role in the intrigues of Queen Elizabeth's court. Discover how Dee’s influence extended from mystical experiments to shaping the idea of the British Empire.

Perfect for listeners fascinated by true history, the Elizabethan era, magic and the occult, royal intrigue, and the hidden stories that shaped the modern world.

🎙️

Buy Mikki’s Book – https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526160904/

Follow Mikki on Instagram – @historymikki

Further Reading

Benjamin Woolet, The Queen’s Conjurer: The Life and Magic of Dr John Dee (2002)

Glynn Parry, The Arch-Conjuror of England: John Dee (2013)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Dee: The Man Behind the Mystique

02:35 John Dee's Early Life and Education

04:45 The Intersection of Mathematics and Magic

07:47 Navigating Political Turmoil: Dee's Context

11:59 Dee's Relationship with Queen Elizabeth I

16:01 Alchemy: The Quest for Gold

25:09 Exploration and the Search for Riches

29:55 The Vision of a British Empire

32:21 The Myth of the British Empire

33:26 Mathematics and Navigation

34:07 Mirrors, Kabbalah, and Angelic Communication

37:05 The Role of Edward Kelly

40:59 Adventures and Misadventures in Europe

44:56 The Decline of John Dee

48:47 Legacy and Impact of John Dee

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In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by historian and author Chris Kempshall to explore the rise, fall, and legacy of Darth Vader—one of the greatest villains in cinematic history.

From his origins as Anakin Skywalker to his transformation into a Sith Lord, this episode dives deep into Vader’s character development across the Star Wars saga. What drove his fall the dark sides? And how does his story reflect real-world history, politics, and ideology?

Drawing on Chris' The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire and The History and Politics of Star Wars, the pair breakdown the historical influences behind Vader, the nature of power and authoritarianism, and the enduring cultural impact of this iconic character.

From analysing Vader’s crimes to exploring his place at the heart of the Star Wars universe, this episode blends film analysis, history, and pop culture into one compelling deep dive.

If you're interested in Star Wars, film history, villains, or the real-world ideas behind iconic characters, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

See what Chris is up to and purchase his books at: https://chriskempshall.com/

Further Reading

Chris’ Stuff – it’s all you need.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Star Wars and Personal Memories

03:14 Darth Vader: The Iconic Villain

09:26 Real-World Influences on Star Wars

14:45 Character Development of Darth Vader

20:22 Darth Vader's Symbolism and Design

28:22 The Tragedy of Anakin Skywalker

32:27 The Dark Path of Anakin Skywalker

35:28 Anakin's Dark Turn

39:57 The Weight of Choices

41:59 Vader's Evolution in the Franchise

47:43 The Legacy of Darth Vader

55:34 Cultural Impact and Parodies of Vader

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In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by Lisa Traynor (Royal Armouries) to uncover the story of Felice Orsini—the little-known figure behind the first modern terrorist attack.

A radical Italian nationalist, Orsini changed undertandings of political violence with his 1858 assassination attempt on Napoleon III in Paris. Using a unique improvised explosive device known as the Orsini Bomb, his actions inspired a generationa of radicals and pioneered the tactic of terrorism for the modern age.

This episode explores the origins of terrorism, revolutionary politics, and the rise of political violence in 19th-century Europe. How did Orsini’s attack influence future extremists? And why has his legacy been largely forgotten?

Check out James’ book on the subject: The Rise of Devils: Fear & The Origins of Modern Terrorism

See what Lisa and her team are up to at Britain’s Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds

Further Reading

Michael St John Packe, The Bombs of Orsini

Carola Dietze, The Invention of Terrorism in Europe, Russia and the United States

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Modern Terrorism

02:46 The Life and Times of Felice Orsini

05:38 Political Context of 19th Century Italy

08:28 The Rise of Italian Nationalism

11:12 Orsini's Revolutionary Activities

14:14 The Daring Escape from Prison

17:01 Orsini's Celebrity Status and Impact

19:43 The Shift to Terrorism as Tactic

22:36 The Availability of Weapons in the 19th Century

26:17 The Velodog and Personal Protection

28:32 Orsini's Revolutionary Ideals

29:31 The Design and Function of the Orsini Bomb

35:20 The Spectacle of Terrorism

41:32 The Aftermath and Political Repercussions

49:19 Legacy of Orsini and the Concept of Terrorism

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