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Mayor of London visit to Down House
Darwin’s former home, Down House, was today visited by the Mayor of London, who was representing the Greater London Authority (GLA). The personal visit forms part of a programme of briefing visits for the project partners who helped formulate the World Heritage Site (WHS) nomination. The bid, which covers Down House and surrounding countryside, was submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) by the UK Government in January.
“We have a long and proud tradition of conserving our local countryside, which is of course, green belt. We are committed to protecting green belt for the benefit of local residents and future generations. Clearly, for us, safeguarding Darwin’s legacy is very important.” said Councillor Graham Arthur, Executive Councillor, deputising for the Leader of the Council.
Randal Keynes, Darwin’s great great grandson, accompanied the tour of the house and gardens where Darwin wrote his most famous books. Charles Darwin spent 40 years of his life at Downe and it was here where he wrote both ‘The Origin of Species’ and the ‘Descent of Man’.
The proposed WHS covers a total area of 10km² and includes the village of Downe, parts of Cudham and Keston Common. UNESCO will announce its decision in Summer 2007.
ENDS
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