Charles Darwin's Milestones
Birth
Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, to Robert Darwin and Susannah Wedgwood.
Early education and interest in nature
Attended Shrewsbury School and developed an early interest in natural history and collecting specimens.
Attended University of Edinburgh
Studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh but left without a degree; joined the Plinian Society and began studying marine invertebrates.
Attended Cambridge
Studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, intending to become a clergyman.
Mentored by John Stevens Henslow
Mentored by botanist John Stevens Henslow at Cambridge, who encouraged his interest in natural science.
Fieldwork with Adam Sedgwick
Accompanied geologist Adam Sedgwick on a field trip to Wales, gaining experience in geology.
Voyage on HMS Beagle
Sailed around the world on HMS Beagle, collecting specimens and making observations that led to his theory of evolution.
Married Emma Wedgwood
Married his cousin Emma Wedgwood.
Published 'The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs'
Published his first major scientific book on coral reef formation.
Settled in Down House
Moved to Down House in Kent, where he lived and worked for the rest of his life.
Published barnacle monographs
Published a series of monographs on barnacles, establishing his reputation as a leading biologist.
Published 'On the Origin of Species'
Published 'On the Origin of Species,' introducing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Published 'The Descent of Man'
Published 'The Descent of Man,' applying evolutionary theory to human evolution.
Death
Charles Darwin died in Downe, Kent, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.