Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
Born in Shrewsbury in Shropshire, Darwin was responsible for promoting the theory of evolution and natural selection. Although the Victorians were scandalised by his theories, they became widely accepted in the early 20th century.
Places to visit
Explore the beautiful medieval town where Darwin was born. Step inside St. Chad's church where he was christened; visit the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery; see his statue outside the library and the house where he lived.
Visit Darwin's home, Down House in Kent, and wander around the garden which Darwin used as inspiration and a test bed for his ideas. The estate has survived almost unscathed since Darwin's death in 1882 and English Heritage has restored it to re-create the appearance and atmosphere of the garden as it was towards the end of Darwin's life.
Darwin attended St Johns College, Cambridge where he studied mathematics, classics and medicine in the 1750's. There is now a college named after him, which is the first college for graduate students.
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