'The Grinning Impudence Which Arises from Utter Depravity': Spies and Informers in Ulster in 1798

This time we are exploring the world of 18th century rebellion in Down with 1798 scholar, Ken Dawson. Ken is the former Head of History at Down High School and has been researching the United Irishmen for over twenty years.

He is the author of a number of articles on the subject and in 2017 his book, ‘The Belfast Jacobin’, was published in the Irish Academic Press. His book is a biography of Samuel Neilson, one of the leaders of the United Irishmen. Ken is currently researching the use of spies and informers by the government in the years leading up to the Rebellion of 1798.