"The Origin of Species" - evolution or revolution?

Charles Darwin moved to Down House with his wife in 1842 and it was here that he wrote is world famous book "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection". His wife, Emma Wedgwood, was a devout Christian and he feared that his publication would sour their relationship. However, in 1859, under pressure from other rival scientists, he published the work. It was to be a revolutionary leap in the evolution of science.

The village of Downe in North West Kent is an idyllic, quiet spot. This was just what Charles Darwin was looking for back in 1842. He became involved in village life and was fairly ordinary (for an extraordinary person!!). On a narrow lane just out of the village lies Down House.

The gardens are laid out as Darwin left them. The mulberry tree is still there after over 250 years, the greenhouses demonstrate the meticulous experimenting that was Darwin's hallmark and there is the Sandwalk. This was a woodland walk that was Darwin's "thinking path". He walked this way sometimes three times a day and, even today, the 30 minutes of contemplation it affords is enough to get the creative, investigative juices flowing.

Once inside the house, and having donned the headphones, there is a wonderful two hours ahead in the company of Sir David Attenborough. The downstairs has been faithfully recreated as Darwin would remember it, while upstairs there is an exhibition. The exhibition was upgraded in early 2009 and offers a wide ranging insight into Darwin's early life, his Voyage aboard the Beagle and his 40 happy years in Downe.

Whether you take Emma's creationist views or you side with Charles, the Darwins and their home will challenge your thinking, your understanding of science and your place in this world. A true revolution in evolution!!