Over 32 years of exploration, Dr David Livingstone made a name for himself as a renowned adventurer, doctor, and Christian missionary. He travelled more than 30,000 miles, and contended with disease, heartbreak, and brutal conflict on the way. His experiences also turned him into a fierce opponent of the slave trade. But despite his celebrated status, Livingstone is a flawed hero. So how did he fight his way out of poverty to become one of the world’s most famous explorers? Why, over 200 years after his birth, is he still a source of fascination? How important was his work for the abolitionist movement? And what is his legacy today? This is a Short History Of…Dr David Livingstone. A Noiser production, written by Kate Harrison. With thanks to Dr Kate Simpson, director of education in the Digital Humanities Institute at the University of Sheffield, curatorial adviser for the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum in Blantyre, and the project scholar for Livingstone Online. 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 network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.