The Mount: Opening a window on the Darwins' legacy

Join John Hughes, Darwin House Museum Project Manager, as he explores the fascinating history of 'The Mount' (now Darwin House) through a recently discovered photographic album from the collections at Shropshire Archives. Learn about the building and gardens where Charles Darwin spent his formative years.

[@najb01]

A most unexpected and excellent result from us just turning up on your ‘doorstep yesterday. Thank you for providing a personal tour that wholly exceeded any expectation we had

[@jimbetts3511]

Just now seen the video - my wife Carolyn was there yesterday - and was shown around. (was it by John Hughes? If so, thank you John!), I really appreciate the meticulous detail in the video. I live near the CMS houses at Waimate North in NZ. Darwin spent Christmas Day in 1835 there. Looking at the books in the library there, is eye opening. Such as Paley's book, opened to watch finding scenario. I would give a lot to see The Mount, but the video tells me a lot. And I will need to be content with this. Many Thanks.

[@robertsalter-c2y]

An excellent production very informative and it brought to life the house and gardens back in all its glory congratulations to everyone involved in its production

[@michaelfisher6354]

I lived in Darwin House in the 1970s....located at 2 Darwin Street. The house where Darwin was born was called the Mount although it was used by the government and they started calling it Darwin House as well around about the 1970s. This led to lots of confusion with mail being misdirected and I regularly visited "The Mount" to exchange mail. The government office years were ugly and covered up much of the charm of the earlier house.

[@orglancs]

This is so interesting and gives us a real picture of all the influences of his youth that conspired to make Darwin what he eventually became. Is the house now open to visitors? I read some time ago that it was in private ownership. It would be wonderful to stroll round at leisure.

[@jane9875]

Before all the concrete and plastic.

[@AllanStevenson-o2x]

Thank you so much for this fascinating insight into the early domestic life of Charles Darwin. Such a shame that so much of the gardens has been lost to development.

[@shropshiremuseums6912]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@anthonyhowe4773]

I visited the house today with a group, for a pre-arranged guided tour with John Hughes. He's a really excellent guide and we all enjoyed it very much. It's great to see these photos too, and hear more information from John. Charles Darwin is a hugely important figure and it's great to see his childhood home starting to be celebrated like this.

[@johnedwards6790]

Couldn't agree more with the previous comment! I really enjoyed the visit and John's knowledgeable input to this. Glad I could see the photos of how it used to be on the RUclips video. Will definitely be revisiting in a year ot too to see the progress made.

[@sparkwingdiamond]

This is fascinating. What a find - and so well presented. Brilliant!

[@rowbyrow]

Thanks so very much for bringing me to this important place and time. I admire the Darwins greatly. I love having a glimpse into the environment of Charles' formative years. Many, many thanks.

[@shropshiremuseums6912]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brucestevenson9457]

Absolutely brilliant. We’ll done Shropshire Archives!

[@shropshiremuseums6912]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnfarmer2361]

Very Good But the house is in SHREWSBURY not Shroesbury

[@michaelfisher6354]

Hah hah - there are 2 ways of pronouncing the fair town. It's a matter of opinion which is better.......

[@hoodunnit3884]

@@michaelfisher6354 It's actually determined if you are on the English Bridge side or the Welsh Bridge side as to how it's pronounced. I learned that at school - I'm an ex Wakemanite

[@michaelfisher6354]

@@hoodunnit3884 same here….although I had developed a mid Atlantic accent as I lived in Canada before coming to the Wakeman.