Darwin's Birthplace
Shropshire, England
'The Child is the Father of the Man' William Wordsworth
Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury on the 12th of February `1809. The family house still stands and is currently the offices for the District Valuers. Though the house is not officially open to the public, there is still a great deal in the town centre that would be familiar to Darwin. Shrewsbury is an historical medievel town which was fortified by Roger De Montgomery shortly after the Norman invasion. A key battle was fought on the outskirts of town in the year 1403 when the rebel Hotspur challenged Henry IV and his son Hal. The event was imortalised in Shakespeare's Henry IV Part I.
Darwin was christened in the impressive St Chad's church which now acts as one of the venues for Darwin Month each february.
His first school is next door on Claremont Hill and his next school, Shrewsbury School, is now the town's library where an imposing statue of the great man sits outside.
The town has buildings which reflect the architecture of many centuries and a warren of narrow passages or 'shuts' as they are locally known. The majestic River Severn loops around the town centre and the Quarry Park affords some quiet walks along its banks.
Shrewsbury also boasts a lively cultural scene with art, music and even a cartoon festival. With all its attractions, it is perhaps the setting that is the most impressive. Shropshire is a largely rural county with picturesque countryside and a uniquely varied geological story that unfolds across the Shropshire Hills. We invite all Darwinites to come and enjoy the experience of staying in a rich and diverse heritage destination...the Birthplace of Charles Darwin...Shrewsbury.
Why not join the Darwin Birthplace Society?