On 19 April 1882, Charles Robert Darwin died at Down House in Downe, Kent – he was aged 73.

As Darwin’s theory of evolution was, to put it mildly, something iof a controversial topic in Victorian society, we thought it would be interesting to see how his death was reported in the newspapers.

We especially enjoyed reading the second newspaper report, which was written by Professsor Thomas Henry Huxley. A great friend and supporter of Darwin, Huxley was nicknamed “Darwin’s Bulldog” due to his passionate advancement of Darwin’s scientific theories.

Visit this page on the BNA blog to read a letter about Darwin’s workaholicism and seasickness aboard HMS Beagle.

Portsmouth Evening News – Saturday 22 April 1882

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000290/18820422/001/0002

Manchester Evening News – Friday 28 April 1882

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000272/18820428/046/0004