Celebrity Graveland

February 12, 1809 – April 19, 1882

Geologist, naturalist and biologist, Charles Darwin’s life is extremely well documented. From his early interest in insects and exploring theology in nature to his famed journeys aboard HMS Beagle, Darwin’s contributions to human study, thought and progress are virtually unrivaled.

His five-year voyage on the Beagle from 1831-1836 was arguably his most consequential endeavor. His geological study and collection of natural history specimens from the coasts of South America, Africa, Australia and islands along the way – including Mauritius and, famously, the Galapagos islands – became the bedrock upon which he would change the way humans view the world. Darwin journaled extensively during the journey and his discoveries. He originally set out to write a book about the geological history of these coastlines, but altered his focus after several encounters with fossilized animals and observations in related species of what he would go on to deem “natural selection.”

In 1859, Darwin published On the Origin of Species, a cumulative record of his findings and theories on how life adapted and evolved throughout the history of the planet. Popularizing a subject like “evolutionary biology” brought…mixed reviews, both from the scientific AND religious communities. He had his defenders. He had his critics. Some 150+ years later, that remains accurate.

He followed up in 1871 with The Descent of Man…in which he first used the term “evolution.” In all, Darwin published 19 books and dozens of articles and letters all ranging from his theories on evolution to how orchids are pollinated. He is one of the most studied and influential scholars of the 19th Century…if not all of human history.

Charles Darwin died of heart disease at the age of 73. Friends and colleagues petitioned that he be buried with honor in Westminster Abbey. His funeral was attended by thousands of friends and dignitaries.

Burial

Westminster Abbey – London, UK

Specific Location

Nave – North side of the nave. Not far from Sir Isaac Newton.

This entry was posted on October 7, 2024 at 2:05 pm and is filed under Westminster Abbey with tags Scientists, Westminster Abbey, Writers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.