Episode 1

Episode 1

Author: BBC Local Radio September 30, 2025 Duration: 29:07

A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986.

Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.

Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.

Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams. Producer: Jen Dale. Sound design: Kasel Kundola. Online producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey. Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights. Executive editor: Andrew Bowman. Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin. Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.


From BBC Local Radio, In Detail... is a podcast that takes a single, significant story and holds it up to the light, examining every facet. It moves beyond the headlines to explore the profound human experiences, historical echoes, and societal ripples contained within one event. Each series is a deep, narrative dive, focusing on a specific case that resonates far beyond its immediate circumstances. You'll hear archival tape, firsthand testimony, and thoughtful analysis, all woven together to build a comprehensive picture of how a story unfolded and why it matters. The podcast lives up to its name, offering the context and depth that daily news often cannot. For instance, one series investigates the decades-long impact of the Birmingham pub bombings, tracing an evolving story of grief, justice, and community over fifty years. Another meticulously unpacks a shocking toxic waste scandal, revealing the events that exposed systemic failures. A particularly gripping series, "Sanctuary: An Act of Defiance," recounts the story of Viraj Mendis, a man from Sri Lanka who sought refuge in a church, and the vicar, Father John Methuen, who made the extraordinary decision to protect him, directly challenging the government of the time. This is a podcast about the stories that shape England, told through the people who lived them, focusing on themes of society, culture, history, and personal journal. It’s for anyone who believes the true weight of a story is found in the details.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 44

In Detail...
Podcast Episodes
11. The Search for the Bombers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:22
Ed travels to Dublin and Belfast to try and speak to the people linked with the 1974 Birmingham bombings.
10. Conflict and Conspiracy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:56
We visit Belfast to meet a former IRA prisoner Ricky who believes there could be more to the pub bombings in Birmingham.Discussing the case and whether the IRA spy Freddie Scappaticci, known as ‘Stakeknife’, could be a r…
9. Blocked at Every Angle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:20
Julie Hambleton's sister died in the bombings, she is intent on a public inquiry and explains what she thinks really happened that night. We also explore whether the government knew what was going to happen.
8. The Naming of the Bombers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:07
Exploring some of the names linked with the Birmingham pub bombings.We also find out why Chris Mullin and Julie Hambleton disagree with each other.
7. Dance with the Devil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:26
After a lot of frustration, Julie Hambleton, whose sister had died in the bombs, and the families of other victims secure an inquest with help from an unexpected source.
6. The Nightmare Begins Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:18
Exploring the impact of The Birmingham Six's release which opened up old wounds for some of the victims’ families. The investigation was reopened in 1991 and shut again in 1994 with no further movement until Julie Hamble…
5. The Real Bombers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:43
The Birmingham Six had each been sentenced to 21 life sentences. They were writing letters for support but getting no reaction and all hope was lost that they would be freed.Their story reached journalist and former MP C…
4. The Birmingham Six (Their Version) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
Paddy Hill and Billy Power, two of the Six, talk frankly about their treatment in police custody and court.The official side of story doesn’t match up with what the Birmingham Six experienced.
3. The Birmingham Six (Official Version) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:09
Explore how the police tracked down and arrested the men who later became known at the Birmingham Six. BBC reporter Michael Buerk talks about covering their high-profile trial and convictions.We also hear how Birmingham’…