Darwin in London
Charles Darwin lived in London from 1837-1842. When he returned from his voyage to South America, Australia and New Zealand aboard HMS Beagle, he moved to 36 Great Marlborough Street in Westminster (1837-1838). It was during this time that he met the dog-breeding barber William Willis (featured in the animation). In December 1838, Darwin moved to Upper Gower Street. In 1839 he married his first cousin Emma Wedgewood, they both lived in Upper Gower Street before moving to Down House, Kent, in 1842.
Darwin’s residence in London provided him with easy access to the many London-based learned Societies to which he belonged. These included the Geological Society of London, the Linnean Society of London, the Royal Geographical Society(with IBG), the Royal Society and the Zoological Society of London. Darwin made significant contributions to each of these Societies. Click on the links to the left to find out about his work with each of them and his important connection to Westminster Abbey, his final resting place.
