12/01/2006

Darwin's home nominated for World Heritage status

The home and workplace of British naturalist Charles Darwin has been chosen as the UK's 2006 nomination for becoming a World Heritage Site.

Darwin at Downe, which is situated in Bromley, London, comprises Darwin's home, experimental garden and the countryside immediately around his property, which was used for his scientific investigations for 40 years following his famous round-the-world journey on the HMS Beagle in the 1830s.

Darwin is renowned for the development of his theory of evolution and his work, 'The Origin of Species', is regarded as one of the most influential books of all time.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said she was "delighted" that the UK was nominating Darwin at Downe as a World Heritage Site. She said: "Darwin was one of the greatest scientists of the modern age and his contribution to our understanding of the natural world is unrivalled."

Sir Neil Cossons, Chairman of English Heritage, said: "We're delighted that this remarkable property will become better known and appreciated nationally and internationally as a result of the nomination.

"It is very exciting to think that this area could be a World Heritage Site in time for Darwin's bicentenary in 2009 and for the Olympics in 2012."

The nomination, together with those from other countries, will be submitted by the deadline of February 1, 2006 and will be assessed by advisers to the World Heritage Committee over the next year.

The final decision will be made at the Committee's annual meeting in the summer of 2007.

The UK's World Heritage Sites currently include: Blenheim Palace, Hadrian's Wall, Tower of London, Derwent Valley Mills and the Giant's Causeway.

(KMcA)

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