1809
Charles Robert Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, the fifth of six children.
1825
Darwin got a place at Edinburgh University to study medicine.
1827
Giving up plans to be a doctor, Darwin thought about a career in the Church. Aged 18, he went to study Divinity at Cambridge.
1831
Darwin’s tutor at Cambridge recommended him on a voyage around the world on HMS Beagle. Darwin jumped at the chance.
1838
Home again, Darwin showed his specimens to fellow biologists and began writing up his travels.
1851
Darwin's favourite daughter, 10-year-old Anne died.
1858
Darwin finally went public with his theory of evolution by natural selection, while making sure that Wallace received some credit.
1859
Darwin published his new theory of evolution.
1869
Origin of Species was a bestseller worldwide and went into multiple editions.
1882
Still troubled by ill health, Darwin worked until the end. He died surrounded by his wife and a few devoted friends.
1835
HMS Beagle made a 5 week stop at the Galapagos islands.
Charles Darwin's Life