Darwin's Home For 40 Years

At Down House, a Grade I listed building, Charles Darwin successfully combined scientific discoveries with family life. Located just south of Downe village it was originally built as a farmhouse around 1650, and was extended in 1778. Darwin made further additions, the house and grounds as Darwin knew them survive largely unaltered.

Inside Down House

A conservation and display project completed by English Heritage in 1998 has preserved the fabric of Darwin's home, recreating the interior and the atmosphere in which he worked.

Darwin's Greenhouses

The greenhouses where Darwin studied plant growth, pollination and variation which have now been restored and contain orchids and carnivorous plants.

Darwin's Sandwalk

In January 1846 Charles Darwin rented a small parcel of land from his neighbor, John Lubbock. On this 1.5 acre strip of woodland he created the "Sandwalk" which was to become his thinking path during his morning and afternoon strolls.

Darwin's Children

When the Darwin's moved into Down House 14th September, 1842 they had 2 children William Erasmus (b. 1839) and Anne Elizabeth (b. 1841). Daughter Mary Eleanor was born 2 weeks later on September 23 but died on October 18. The other 7 Darwin children were born at Down House, Henrietta Emma "Etty" in 1843, George Howard in 1845, Elizabeth "Bessy" in 1847, Francis in 1848, Leonard in 1850, Horace in 1851 and Charles Waring Darwin in 1856 who died in 1858.

Additions to Down House

The Darwins added to Down House in various ways. On 24 March 1843, construction work started on a large bay window at the front of the house. A new drawing room was added in 1858, and at the same time an extension was added to the main entrance. The former drawing room was converted into a new dining room, and the old dining room became a billiard room. In 1872 a verandah was added to the side of the drawing room. In 1877, a new study, entrance hall and Georgian-style porch were added.

Darwin's Study

The new study built in 1877 now holds Charles Darwin's writing desk, chair and numerous objects connected with his work.

Darwin had the old study where The Origin was written converted into a smoking room.

Surrounding Area

Down House, in the London Borough of Bromley, is situated on the North Downs, 16 miles (26km) south east of central London. The area is characterised by dry chalk valleys, country lanes, a rich tapestry of wildlife habitats, small villages and working farms. Despite its close proximity to London, it has remained secluded, retaining the rural charm that first attracted Charles and Emma Darwin.

Down House, Bromley

Down House, Bromley was Charles Darwin's home from 1842 until his death in 1882. Here he studied, thought and wrote his great influential works including The Origin of Species. The grounds and surrounding landscape provided much of the inspiration for his revolutionary insights of the natural world, ecology and bio-diversity, which continue to have significant influence today.

Down House Plaque

"Down House was aquired by English Heritage in May 1996 with the generous donation from The Wellcome Trust. The house has been restored with funds raised by The Natural History Museum from many Trusts and individuals and a grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund"