Why 18th-Century Sailors Feared Cheese More Than Storms | Boring History For Sleep

Welcome aboard the creaking decks of an 18th-century sailing ship—where danger came not only from storms, mutiny, or cannon fire... but from something far smellier: cheese.

In this slow-paced, gently humorous episode of Boring History For Sleep, we invite you to drift into slumber as we explore one of history’s oddest sea-bound fears. Over the course of this bedtime journey, you'll follow the daily life of a sailor trapped at sea with rations that fought back—hardened cheese that cracked teeth, fermented wheels that exploded in the heat, and wedges so pungent they were blamed for everything from navigation errors to supernatural hauntings.

You’ll hear how cheese became a source of superstition, barter, comedy, and near-mutiny. From “ghost cheese” floating in the bilge to maggot-riddled monstrosities traded in foreign ports, each slice tells a story of survival, absurdity, and camaraderie under impossible conditions.

This one-of-a-kind history story blends second-person narration, vivid sensory details, quirky facts, and soft-spoken delivery—perfect for relaxing your mind and easing you into sleep. You’ll meet unforgettable shipmates like Jenkins the cheese poet, a wheel named Martha, and a mythical wedge known only as The King of Dark Waters.

Whether you’re a history lover, a fan of weird maritime lore, or just someone who needs a strange, soothing distraction to help you fall asleep, this is for you.

So dim the lights, press play, and let the soft sounds of waves and whimsy carry you off to dreamland—where the cheese is still watching.