 Down House
Determined to settle after many sea voyages discovering the natural wonders of
the world, followed by the pressurised pace of life in London, Charles
Darwin was happy to 'lose' himself at his countryside retreat, not far
from Biggin Hill, for the rest of his life. Moving to Down House with
his wife and two children in 1842, Darwin spent the next 40 years extending
and altering the 18th century farmhouse to accommodate the
needs of his growing family, and provide adequate space for his studies.
An overwhelming sense of family closeness is apparent from the moment
of entering Down House, with several photographs, children's clutter,
important manuscripts and scientific instruments all strewn together
in a casual orderliness that clearly emphasises how well Darwin combined
his professional and personal lives.
The fairly substantial grounds surrounding Down House were a perfect base for this eminent naturalist
to further his knowledge of plant life, and to conduct various scientific
experiments, which eventually led to the documentation of some controversial
theories. Moreover, the gardens were also an ideal place for relaxation,
and spacious enough to enjoy the pleasures of entertaining his children
and indulging their outdoor pastimes.
Born to wealthy parents, his grandfather being the famous Josiah Wedgwood, Darwin had a privileged
childhood but found difficulty in following a structured school curriculum
because his interests lay only in one specific area. Encouraged by his
father to channel his studies into medicine, Darwin attended Edinburgh
University but left after only 18 months. He was then directed to Cambridge
University to become a clergyman, and this, quite coincidentally, proved
to be the move that enabled him to pursue his real interests in natural
history. It was here, through his mentor, that his horizons were broadened
with reading matter and field trips, culminating in his 'voyage of discovery'
aboard HMS Beagle. A comprehensive exhibition about the next five years
of Darwin's life, together with numerous samples collected by him, is
now housed on the first floor of Down House.
Achieving success in one important area of his life, Darwin then went on to fulfil his personal
ambition by marrying his cousin, Emma Wedgwood, who provided a strength
and loyalty throughout his life. Warding off unwelcome visitors, coping
with Darwin's constant ill-health, and assisting with his studies, were
just some of the areas in which Emma showed her devotion. This must have
been especially difficult for her when he was working on the 'Origin of
the Species' because Emma had deep-rooted religious beliefs.
Converted for use as a school during the early years of the 20th century, Down House became
vacant by 1926 and may have been lost to the nation had it not been for
the intervention of Darwin's old college Master. Bought and restored as
a national memorial to the man who shocked the world with his 'theory
of evolution', Down House subsequently became the responsibility of the
Royal College of Surgeons before it was eventually purchased by English
Heritage in 1996. Now fully restored, most of the rooms are representative
of how they would have appeared during Charles Darwin's time, with much
of the original furniture and family memorabilia being donated by Darwin's descendants. |
