Home of Darwin

#Onthisday 1877 Darwin received an honorary doctorate of laws from Cambridge University. At the ceremony “There was a tremendous crowd & hooting & cheering”, and some students lowered a stuffed monkey dressed as an academic from the ceiling! http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/rO8P89LBC0

#OnThisDay 1880, Darwin’s book “The Power of Movement in Plants” was published. Co-authored by his botanist son Francis, it’s seen by many as the start of modern study of plant growth. Visit us to learn more about Darwin's work, life and home at http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/1n3EdJW6lx

Happy Halloween! Did you know that in the introduction to “Frankenstein”, Mary Shelley refers to Darwin’s grandfather, Erasmus, as an influence on her coming up with her famous story?! Due to his experiments to reanimate "dead" microscopic creatures! http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/y1Ovkjr63Y

Such was Darwin’s international legacy that a picture of his home, Down House, appeared on this Mongolian stamp! We have had visitors from Mongolia and love welcoming guests from all over the world! Hope to see you soon! http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/pKcuz1o8fr

How about visiting the home of Charles Darwin this half term holiday? See the study where he worked on his world-changing books! Explore his garden and look out for his experiments! Walk around his “thinking path”; then have a tasty treat from our tearoom! http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/MYwS8qeoe9

In October 1872 while on holiday in Sevenoaks, Darwin was so impressed by a veranda at the rented home where he stayed that on his return to Down House he had one of his own built! In Autumn the leaves which climb across it turn a beautiful shade of red. http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/52jynihwUX

Congratulations and thank you to all staff and volunteers whose hard work has helped us to win recent London in Bloom awards! Gold for Heritage Parks and Gardens, Gold for Large Conservation Area, and Silver Gilt for Walled Garden of the Year! Well done everyone! pic.twitter.com/vuqFKDGD1h

As well as his research and writing Darwin played an active role in the life of Downe village, becoming a local magistrate and founding the Downe Friendly Society. A sun dial on the wall of the local village church commemorates his life there. http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/699VsLUMme

Next time you pay us a visit you'll see we have some new interactive information posts in our gardens explaining Darwin’s work. Perfect for visitors of any age! Why not come and try them out? http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/GrBS5YEEGq

#OnThisDay 1836 Darwin arrived back in England on board HMS Beagle after nearly 5 years travelling around the world. The long journey helped to establish his reputation amongst the scientific community and as he said, “determined [his] whole career”. http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/Hn24lspGjL

Our glasshouse is currently closed to the public due to renovation work, but we can’t wait to welcome you back once it’s open again! Here are some of the orchids which have flowered recently -Phragmipedium Cape Sunset and Zygopetalum. http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/dUuNc8sq8O

#OnThisDay 1843, the Darwins’ daughter Henrietta, or Etty, was born. As a child she helped Darwin with his experiments and in later life she proved a skilful editor and edited a number of his books, including “The Descent of Man”. Find out more at http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/ux3G55Qbkn

Darwin’s old laboratory has had a makeover! Pop in to see our new interactive displays and learn about Darwin’s research. When our bees return you’ll also be able to see inside our bee hive! See if you can spot the Queen Bee! http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/nkJ7hjZqxz

#OnThisDay 1842 the Darwins moved into Down House - the perfect place for their growing family “at the extreme verge of the world” as they put it! Nowadays it’s not nearly as remote so come to visit us soon! http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/dCAqcvias2

Come and see our fantastic temporary exhibition 'Moving Darwin' by Jo Pearl @JoPearlCeramics at Down House this Summer. Inspired by Darwin’s lesser-known thesis The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals, is on display until Sunday 12th September 2021!pic.twitter.com/YyVrjcH9tD

#OnThisDay 1848 Darwin's seventh child Francis was born. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a botanist, working with Charles on a number of experiments and co-authoring the book, “The Power of Movement in Plants”. Visit us at http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/O51eiwxqTf

Make the most of the sunshine and explore the home of Charles Darwin! His gardens were his outdoor laboratory. See which of his experiments you can spot! Visit us at http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/tIuESKhAof

Want to take part in some butterfly conservation research? Join The Big Butterfly Count! Find out more at …https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org  We'll be counting the butterflies in Darwin's garden! http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/2EVtaQGRFV

After exploring the house and gardens of Charles Darwin make sure you visit our picnic area for a well earned slice of cake or an ice-cream from our refreshment tent! Book your tickets at http://bit.ly/Down-House pic.twitter.com/6rzhhs37Um