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There's no definitive way of knowing what happened during the week in August 1969 when Northern Ireland erupted into the full-scale violence of the troubles. But the powerful and largely forgotten testimonies heard soon after by the Scarman Tribunal can help bring us close. Chaired by the distinguished judge, Lord Leslie Scarman, the tribunal compelled witnesses from all sides to testify to their experience of the events which led to the breakdown of law and order and the British Army being deployed.

Ruth Sanderson grew up in Northern Ireland yet never really knew how the Troubles started. Looking back at testimonies recorded at the Scarman Tribunal and by talking to her own parents who found themselves caught up in events, Ruth has been trying to work out what really happened across that week in August 1969 when Northern Ireland spiralled out of control.

Producers: Conor Garrett & Ophelia Byrne

Actors: Peter Ballance, Richard Croxford, Niall Cusack and Patrick FitzSymons

Music: David Holmes featuring Gerry Diver on violin

Photo credit: Fondation Gilles Caron / Clermes

Access to material relating to the Scarman Tribunal report into violence and civil disturbances in Northern Ireland in 1969 was kindly provided by Special Collections, Queen鈥檚 University Belfast.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0