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