Full name: Charles Darwin Born: 12th February 1809 Place of Birth: Shrewsbury, Shropshire Occupation: Naturalist and Theorist of 'Natural Selection' Died: 19th April 1882

The British naturalist, Charles Robert Darwin was born on 12th February 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.  Darwin was a naturalist and direct relative of the Wedgwood family who established 'Wedgwood', a renowned China manufacturing company. 

From a very young age, Darwin had a special interest in nature and explored fields surrounding his home for animals and insects and read many nature books.  Despite disliking school, Darwin initially decided to pursue a career in medicine but switched to studying Theology at Cambridge University.  After he graduated, Darwin joined a five year scientific expedition to South America on HMS Beagle in 1831.

During the expedition, Darwin read the book 'Principles of Geology' by Lyell, which explained and explored the theory that fossils found in rocks were the remnants of animals that existed millions of years ago.  Darwin was inspired by the book and the sights around him during the scientific expedition, which helped him to develop his own ideas.  Whilst visiting the Galapagos islands, Darwin had a breakthrough after discovering that each island was home to various types of finch birds.

Darwin returned to England in 1836 and collated his ideas about the evolution of species and proposed a theory based around the ideas, which originated from the scientist, Malthus about natural selection.  The theory of natural selection suggests that the survival of animals and species relies upon their environment and reproduction thrives when the animal is best adapted to its environment and gradually species change over time to become best suited to the conditions of their habitat. 

Darwin continued working on his theory for around 20 years and eventually collaborated with Alfred Wallace, a naturalist who had similar ideas and they announced their discovery, which lead to the publication of Darwin's renowned book 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859. 

Darwin's book sparked outrage and shock among Victorian Society and especially religious groups, who generally believed that humans were created, yet Darwin's book suggested that humans evolved from animals perhaps in the form of apes. However, Darwin's theory soon gained credence and was widely accepted as a valid scientific explanation.  Charles Darwin died on 19th April 1882 and was buried at Westminster Abbey.