Charles Darwin

The story, in brief.

Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species have descended from a common ancestor is now accepted and considered a fundamental scientific concept. In a joint presentation with Alfred Russel Wallace, he proposed that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history and was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.

Introduction from Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full biography ↗

A life in milestones.

Selected records from Wikidata. Ages are approximate; “c.” marks uncertain dates. This is a starting point for exploration, not a complete life history.

1. 1809
   Life

   Born in Shrewsbury

   View record ↗
2. 1818~ age 9
   Education

   Shrewsbury School

   View record ↗
3. 1825~ age 16
   Education

   University of Edinburgh

   View record ↗
4. 1828~ age 19
   Education

   University of Cambridge

   View record ↗
5. 1859~ age 50
   Recognition

   Wollaston Medal

   View record ↗
6. 1864~ age 55
   Recognition

   Copley Medal

   View record ↗
7. 1868~ age 59
   Recognition

   Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order

   View record ↗
8. 1875~ age 66
   Recognition

   Bressa Prize

   View record ↗
9. 1875~ age 66
   Recognition

   Honorary doctor of Leiden University

   View record ↗
10. 1882~ age 73
    Life

    Death

    View record ↗