The Art of Adventure

Scott vs. Amundsen: The Race to The South Pole Begins (Part 1)

July 29, 2026·48 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

June 1910. Captain Robert Falcon Scott sets sail from Cardiff aboard the Terra Nova, convinced he has a clear run at the South Pole. Then a telegram arrives: "Beg leave to inform you Fram proceeding south. Amundsen." The race is on.In Part 1 of this two-part series, host Hugh Taylor is joined by historian Dr Max Jones - author of The Last Great Quest - to unpick the real story behind the Scott vs Amundsen rivalry. Who was Scott, really? Why was Britain so fixated on the Pole? And how did a bitter falling-out with Shackleton, a secret change of plan by Amundsen, and a fateful decision to take five men instead of four set the stage for one of history's most enduring tragedies?From naval ambition to the brutal reality of manhauling across the ice, this is the story of how the race to the South Pole began - and how Scott's party finally reached the Pole, and what they found when they arrived. The Art of Adventure is brought to you by Arthur Beale, outfitters to sailors, adventurers and explorers for nearly 500 years. Find out more at arthurbeale.co.uk.Listeners get 15% off with the code PODCAST at checkout.

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