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Latitude: 51.3314 / 51°19'53"N
Longitude: 0.0535 / 0°3'12"E
OS Eastings: 543154
OS Northings: 161150
OS Grid: TQ431611
Mapcode National: GBR NV.S5Z
Mapcode Global: VHHP9.WS3P
Plus Code: 9F3283J3+H9
Entry Name: Down House
Listing Date: 31 May 1954
Grade: I
Source: Historic England
Source ID: 1038325
English Heritage Legacy ID: 358519
ID on this website: 101038325
Location: Downe, Bromley, London, BR6
County: London
District: Bromley
Electoral Ward/Division: Darwin
Parish: Non Civil Parish
Built-Up Area: Downe
Traditional County: Kent
Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater London
Church of England Parish: Downe St Mary Magdalene
Church of England Diocese: Rochester
Tagged with: Historic house museum History museum
This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 10/07/2014
TQ 46 SW 12/158
DOWNE
LUXTED ROAD
Down House
(Formerly listed as Downe House)
31.5.54.
I
This house would be Grade II on architectural grounds but is Grade I for historical associations. It was occupied by Charles Darwin from 1842-1882. "The Origin of the Species" was written here, and Darwin died in the house on the 19 April 1882. It was now a museum, and Darwin's study is preserved as far as possible as it was in his day. The building consists of a centre and 2 wings. The centre dates from early C19. 3 storeys 5 windows. Stuccoed. Wide eaves cornice. Hipped slate roof. Windows with segmental heads and glazing bars missing. The South-East wing is gabled and probably older than the main block. 2 storeys of 2 windows, plus one round-headed window and also an attic window in the gable. Stuccoed front. The North-West wing is a mid-late C19 addition made by Darwin containing his new study. 2 storeys. 3 windows. Cemented front, but attached to it is an early C19 block and a verandah to the North-West added wing. Inset in the front garden wall facing the road is a tablet recording:-
"Here Darwin thought and worked for forty years and died 1882".
Listing NGR: TQ4317861121
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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