Bombing Brighton: The Plot to Kill Thatcher
A look at the Brighton bombing of 1984, featuring new testimony from many of those affected and a revealing interview with the man who planted the bomb, Patrick Magee.
The Brighton bomb, which exploded on 12 October 1984, was one of the IRA’s most significant attacks on mainland Britain during the Troubles. Directly targeting Margaret Thatcher, the bomb, which was planted three weeks before the Conservative Party conference, lay hidden underneath a bathtub in room 629. When the bomb exploded, it blew a gaping hole in Brighton’s Grand Hotel, and although the prime minister herself was physically unharmed, the consequences were devastating. Five people were killed in the blast, and 34 others were seriously injured.
Patrick Magee received eight life sentences for his role in planting the Brighton bomb. He was released in 1999 as part of the Good Friday agreement, having served 14 years of his 35-year sentence.
This film includes an interview Magee gave in 2022 about his role in the bombing alongside testimony of some of those whose lives were profoundly affected, with some speaking publicly for the first time. Contributors include Edward and Jo Berry, whose father was killed in the attack; John Gummer, former Conservative Party chairman, who was with Mrs Thatcher the moment the bomb went off; a Special Branch surveillance officer responsible for trying to prevent IRA attacks in England during the 1980s; and an eyewitness who worked at a local nightclub.
Last on
Clip
-
The moments before the bomb went off
Duration: 01:13
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Director | Guy King |
Producer | Simon Bunney |
Editor | Iain Pettifer |
Producer | Louise Duffy |
Producer | Lena Ferguson |
Executive Producer | James Bluemel |
Executive Producer | Will Anderson |
Executive Producer | Andrew Palmer |
Executive Producer | Rachel Hooper |
Production Company | KEO Films Ltd |
Broadcasts
- Tue 8 Oct 2024 21:00
- Wed 9 Oct 2024 23:35
- Tue 15 Oct 2024 22:40Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Thu 17 Oct 2024 01:25
Featured in...
Documentaries
The best of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Sign Language documentaries
The Battle for Power
Exploring the lives of politicians and powerful figures, and their tumultuous times.
Real-life stories
Stories of real people living extraordinary lives.
Stories that Shocked the Nation
Controversy, corruption and coverups – gripping stories that will shock you.
Revealing Documentaries
Insightful stories from across the world
iPlayer Northern Ireland Category :: Featured Episodes
iPlayer Northern Ireland Category featured programmes
iPlayer History Category :: Featured Episodes
iPlayer History category featured programmes