Captain Cook

Short History Of...

Noiser

History

4.8 • 4.1K Ratings

🗓️ 20 July 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Through his voyages in the eighteenth century, Captain Cook’s work as an explorer contributed to startling advances in scientific knowledge, and mapped swathes of unplotted territory in both hemispheres. To many, he was regarded as one of the greatest explorers in human history, while for others, his achievements were overshadowed by the violence and oppression that accompanied his voyages. So, how did a farm-worker’s son rise to become one of the most celebrated explorers in history? Why did his voyages become so legendary? And at what price - to Cook personally, and those whose lands he charted? This is a Short History Of Captain Cook. A Noiser Production. Written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art at Royal Museums Greenwich. Get every episode of Short History Of... a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Oh, that's my prime delivery.
0:01.6	What, already?
0:02.7	Only one thing can match the buzz of Prime's fast delivery.
0:06.2	And that's the buzz of Prime's entertainment.
0:09.0	What are we watching?
0:09.7	Heads of state, that new action comedy with Idris Elber as the Prime Minister,
0:13.3	John Sina as the president, and Prianka Chopra Jonas,
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0:27.5	For more information, go to amazon.com.uk.U.K. slash prime.
0:43.4	It's 1746 in the small fishing village of Steers in the north of England.
0:51.7	Evening is drawing in, and a tall, muscular lad stands behind the counter in the shop where he works.
1:00.0	He exchanges pleasantries with a lady who drops a few coins into his hand to pay for a side of bacon. The shop's heavy door shuts behind her, and he comes around the counter to snuff out the lamps and close up for the night.
1:08.0	Though his straw mattress tucked under the counter looks inviting, and he is weary after a long shift, he has no intention of going to bed yet.
1:16.6	Instead, he steps out of the shop and locks the door.
1:21.6	The screech of gulls fills his ears, and he smells the aroma of fish from the day's catch carrying on the salty air.
1:31.3	He walks along the cobbled waterfront, listening to the familiar lapping of the tide as it breaks around the boats moored up for the night.
1:40.3	Soon he arrives at an inn. As he crosses its threshold, the peace of the world outside gives way to chatter and laughter.
1:50.0	The smell of the sea is replaced by the stench of beer and tobacco.
1:55.0	Smoke eddies towards the ceiling from a sea of clay pipes.
	...

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