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The Man Who Told the Truth – BBC Preview

31 January 2018

The Man Who Told The Truth tells the story of Charles Thomson and his role in the formation of the United States.

Our guide is The Economist’s Bruce Clark, who lives in Charles Thomson’s birthplace of Gorteade near Maghera in mid-Ulster. He follows the twists and turns of Charles Thomson’s early life and his critical contribution as Secretary of the Continental and Confederation Congresses between 1774-89. He describes Thomson’s role in the Declaration of Independence (which was printed by a fellow Ulsterman from Strabane) and in designing the Great Seal of the United States. And he reveals the breadth of Thomson’s work – which included domestic and international affairs, administration and record-keeping.

Bruce Clark also explores Charles Thomson’s advocacy for native American rights and his opposition to slavery – which he described as “a sickness on this new country”. And he examines Thomson’s reputation as a truth-teller and why his contribution to the formation of the United States and its administration has sometimes been overlooked.

Bruce Clark’s assessment of Charles Thomson is fascinating, personal and full of insight. It provides a revealing sense of Thomson’s character and beliefs and the world that he inhabited – and helped to create. 

Our screening event will include a short introduction about the making of this television programme. It will last approximately 75mins.

The Man Who Told The Truth has been produced by Imagine Media Productions for BBCNI television, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.

Date and Venue:                     06 February in Blackstaff Studio A

Doors Open:                           6.00pm

Event Start Time:                    6.45pm

Duration:                                 (approx) 75mins

Booking: Tickets for this event available on the BBC’s ticket website (bbc.co.uk/tickets)