HI S T O R Y
own origins as a scientist. The exhibition begins with an Darwin’s Beagle notebooks in digital form. Moving next
introduction to Darwin’s family background, placing him in door, this experience is brought to life with an evocative
the social and scientifi c context of the 19th century, before full-scale replica of Darwin’s cramped cabin on board HMS
moving on to Darwin’s epic 5-year voyage on board HMS Beagle.
Beagle. Here visitors can see one of the rarest collections
of Darwin manuscript material in the world and explore For visitors wanting to learn more about Darwin’s
most famous book On the Origin of Species, the exhibition
tells in detail the fascinating story of how Darwin came to
write this book and the seismic impact it had at the time,
presented through a series of displays focussed around
letters and manuscripts from the collection.
Aspects of the theory are further explored using
interactive models, also taking into consideration Darwin’s
impact on modern science and society. Visitors can fi nally
see objects and photographs depicting the happy family life
the Darwins shared at Down House. Downstairs, visitors
can enjoy a new multimedia tour of the family rooms,
narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
THE GARDEN
The gardens at Down House are fundamental to
understanding Darwin’s science. Darwin spent much of
his time outdoors and formulated his theories through
observation of the plants and animals in his garden and the
surrounding area.
He set up experiments and observed them, often for
several months or even years, many of which have been
recreated for visitors. The gardens section of the new
handheld multimedia tour, narrated by Andrew Marr, guides
GE
A
visitors through the extensive grounds and incorporates
fi lm footage and animation, off ering visitors the chance to
see the gardens through Darwin’s eyes.
ENGLISH HERIT
OM;
.C
W DARWIN GOES DIGITAL
The rare Beagle collections at the Home of
AINONVIE
Charles Darwin have also been fully digitalised and
W@BRIT
are available online via a new Turning the Pages™
interface. You can also explore these important
A/IAN SHA
manuscripts and enjoy a virtual tour of Darwin’s study
online, where you can also plan a visit to this unique
P
A
WEL LIBER
property. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Images Top (R-L): A statue of Charles Darwin in the centre of
Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Inside the greenhouse at Down House.
EX P A T R I A T E 33
Darwin.indd 33 6/11/2009 11:05:13 PM
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60