Down House, London

Down House, London

The Down House is well known as the place where Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection' which was published in 1859.

The Down House is well known as the place where Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection' which was published in 1859. Built in the early 18th century, the house retains its original charm and design from the time Darwin lived here. The first floor has an interactive exhibition on his life, research and discoveries. There is also a replica of Darwin's cabin on HMS Beagle. The gardens have been restored to their appearance in Darwin's time, and there is a glasshouse with some exotic carnivorous plants such as the sundew. Darwin used the kitchen garden as an 'Experimental Bed' to study plant evolution. Trace Darwin's walks along the peripheral Sandwalk, in the midst of bluebells and primroses.