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Down House, the world famous house in Downe which was the home of Charles Darwin and site of many of his world changing discoveries, is on its way to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The government put forward the site for consideration by UNESCO in 2009 and the latest news from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation is that the site is definitely being considered as a site.  A decision on the final outcome has been deferred to allow more time for UNESCO experts to analyse the site and consider their verdict.

Down House has a unique place in the scientific world.  Charles Darwin actually wrote ‘On the Origin of Species’, a book which changed the world, in the study here.  His experiments and work were carried out in the extensive gardens as well as in the surrounding area that is now the London Borough of Bromley.  There is also a fascinating insight into family life with the Darwin’s as the living areas of the house have been reserved and restored. 

The UK currently has 28 World Heritage Sites, 16 of those are in England including Stonehenge and the Tower of London.