The little book of DARWIN SHREWSBURY Charles Darwin
Shrewsbury, an inspirational setting. In the 1800’s it roused the exceptionally inquisitive mind of Charles Darwin.
He spent 27 years of his life in the town and went on to inspire the world.
2 “The very essence of instinct is that it’s followed independently of reason.”
Charles Darwin 1871
3 Early years
The story begins on The Mount, just a short walk from Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury.
Built by his father Robert Darwin in 1798, Mount House was Darwin’s family home and it was here in the gardens that his curiosity for the natural world flourished.
“I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.”
Charles Darwin 1853
4 5 A born naturalist
Darwin loved all things natural. As a boy he spent afternoons searching for creatures in the 30 acre Quarry Park and catching newts in the River Severn.
A mischievous child, he convinced his school friends that the names of plants could be distinguished by looking very closely at the centre of the flower.
6 7 Darwin’s school days
Darwin’s experiences of growing up in Shropshire combined with his liberal upbringing helped shape the man who would become a world figure.
In the 1800’s Shrewsbury Library on Castle Gates was home to Shrewsbury School where Darwin studied before attending university. His headmaster Dr Butler revealed he had little hope of filling his pupil’s head with Latin or Greek as Darwin had already started observing and recording the natural world around him.
8 9 Sites that inspired
Darwin’s first introduction to geology was a granite boulder, called the Bellstone, situated in Morris Hall courtyard in Shrewsbury town centre.
Shropshire has rocks from more periods of geology than anywhere else in the world. The glacial meres and scars that shaped the Shropshire landscape and deposits they left, including the Bellstone, convinced the young Darwin that the world was much older than the popular thinking at the time.
Check out Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery for an engaging insight into the past.
“A moral being is one who is capable of reflecting on his past actions and their motives – of approving of some and disapproving of others.”
Charles Darwin 1874
10 11 Church life
Shrewsbury is blessed with interesting and beautiful churches – two have links to Charles Darwin.
In November 1809 Darwin was baptised at St Chad’s at the top of Claremont Hill on St Chad’s Terrace.
The Unitarian Church on High Street is where Darwin worshipped with his mother until she died when he was aged eight. There is a commemorative plaque to Darwin inside the church and another plaque outside outlining the liberal outlook of the Unitarian movement which is thought to have helped Charles develop his open and enquiring mind.
12 “I am turned into a sort of machine for observing facts and grinding out conclusions.”
Charles Darwin 1880
13 Independent thinking
Shrewsbury, like its famous son, is a one-off. A vibrant mix of old and new.
Explore the town’s medieval streets and you’ll soon see how Darwin’s original thinking still inspires Shrewsbury’s entrepreneurs and creatives today.
The independent businesses outnumber the chains across town and on Wyle Cop there is an uninterrupted row of 50 independents.
“I am not apt to follow blindly the lead of other men. I have steadily endeavoured to keep my mind free.”
Charles Darwin 1876
14 15 A journey of discovery
His curiosity, natural inquisitiveness and desire to understand his world made Charles Darwin the ideal candidate for his voyage of discovery on HMS Beagle. It was from the Lion Hotel on Wyle Cop that Charles Darwin caught the coach south to meet The Beagle and begin his epic voyage.
On this five year journey he collected specimens from animals, plants and fossils from four continents. He would use the experience to develop the theory of evolution by natural selection and write The Origin of Species and change how the world would view man’s evolution.
To plan your Darwin inspired trip, go to originalshrewsbury.co.uk
16 17 Evolution Explored
Darwin’s birthday in February is the perfect excuse to visit Shrewsbury. Annual events around the 12th February include talks, trails and activities to keep the mind ticking. Look out for new events opening up the theme of #evolutionexplored at evolutionexplored.org
At any time of year, you can follow in Darwin’s footsteps using the way markers on the Darwin Town Trail to see the places that influenced the young Charles Darwin.
Also inspiring the next generation is University Centre Shrewsbury, a distinctive institution focused on high quality teaching and learning.
18 19 Quiz
1. What made Darwin feel sick? A. beetle legs. B. peacock feathers. C. turtle shells 2. Darwin was told the “world would come to an end before anyone was able to explain how” what “came to where it now lays” A. a stone. B. the river seven. C. quantum leap statue. 3. Why did Captain Fitz-Roy almost reject Darwin to be his naturalist on the Beagle? A. he wasn’t educated enough. B. the shape of his nose. C. the way he dressed. 4. How much did Darwin agree to pay for his place on the Beagle for five years? A. £500. B. £5,000. C. £50,000. 5. In Darwin’s autobiography he states that a taste for what, is an indication for future success in life? A. being able to run at great speed. B. a loathing of classical languages. C. collecting beetles. 6. Where in Shrewsbury did Darwin contemplate his life decisions? A. Town Walls. B. Wyle Cop. C. The Quarry.
For the answers visit originalshrewsbury,co.uk/darwin-quiz
20 “The love of all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
Charles Darwin 1871
21 22 23 “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
Charles Darwin 1836
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