Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection independently of Alfred Russel Wallace. His 1859 book On the Origin of Species explained how species change through the survival and reproduction of organisms better suited to their surroundings.

The day shown

Down House · 1870

At Down House, Darwin fitted research around poor health, family life and familiar walks. His son Francis recalled this pattern from his middle and later years. The displayed year is representative; it is not a record of one day in 1870.