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LOCAL LIFE
Charles Darwinʼs house
DOWNE
IN HARMONY WITH THE COUNTRYSIDE
Words: Wendy Stevenson
“Much of the centre of Downe is unchanged since Darwin lived here”
want the peace and tranquillity of the countryside world as we know it. Who would have believed well into the 20th century. A careful inspection will
to return to each evening after a stressful day in the that in the 18th century slavery would be outlawed reveal links to the Romans – plenty of remains have
offi ce. Much of the centre of Downe is unchanged and even more disturbing that one of the residents been found in the area with Caesars Well nearby
since Darwin lived here. The buildings may have would take on the church with his theory of evolution! in Biggin Hill. The name of Downe owes nothing to
different uses but are still very similar in outlook However the main attraction of Downe will always Roman occupation; it is from the old English word
thanks to the hard work of the conservationists. be Darwin and his home at Down House where “dun” which means hill. It slowly developed during
Downe is situated at the southern end of the he wrote his world changing book “The Origin the 12th century with a chapel that was built in
Borough of Bromley in the heart of the ever of Species” which is now in the care of English 1291. The coming of the church gave the settlement
endangered Green Belt and yet not to far from the Heritage. some stature within the area but nothing that would
urban sprawl of Greater London. It borders Biggin For many years Downe remained a village where equal the designation as a Unesco World Heritage
Hill airport to the West, Cudham to the South East the main source of income was derived from Site which it has been tipped to receive in 2009 to
and Farnborough to the North. producing fruit and vegetables for the London markets mark the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin
Many people visit the area to make the most of
the fantastic country walks and with nearby High
Elms Country Park offering a further 250 acres
of nature trails, woodland and formal gardens it
isn’t hard to imagine why walkers and cyclists fi nd
the area so attractive. Where else can you walk
the very footpaths used by former Prime Minister
William Pitt and William Wilberforce? It isn’t too
diffi cult to imagine their heated discussions about
the abolishment of slavery as they gazed across the
Vale of Keston.
Although quiet and peaceful the area has been
home to the major “movers and shakers” of the
MARCH ISSUE | 21
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