The Mount, Shrewsbury

The Mount

The Mount is the site in Shrewsbury on which stands the Georgian house, officially known as Mount House but often itself described simply as The Mount, which was the birthplace of Charles Darwin.

Overview

The largest Georgian house was built in 1800 by Charles Darwin's father the local very successful doctor Robert Darwin. His son Charles was born there on 12 February 1809. Robert Darwin died in the house on 13 November 1848, followed by his unmarried daughters Catherine and Susan. Since there were no surviving members of the Darwin family in residence, the house was then put up for auction, after the three surviving Darwin children, Ras, Charles, and Caroline Wedgwood had taken what possessions they wished.

In 1996 The Mount Residents' Group was formed, motivated by concern over a proposed development of 18 houses on land at Rowton Lodge, a Grade II listed house in the middle of The Mount. Due to pressure from the group, the development was cancelled.

As of 2004, the house is occupied by the District Valuer and Valuation Office of Shrewsbury, and visits may be made by appointment during office hours. The building is grade II* listed. The site is not recognized as museum. However, Down House, where Darwin spent most of his adult life, is a museum.

External links

• The Mount Residents' Group
• http://darwin.baruch.cuny.edu/biography/shrewsbury/mount/
• http://www.gruts.com/darwin/images/photos/html/mount-02.htm
• http://www.voa.gov.uk/where/west_midlands/shrewsbury_office.htm