The Mount, Shrewsbury

Coordinates: 52°42′46.00″N 02°45′47.50″W / 52.71278°N 2.763194°W / 52.71278; -2.763194 The Mount, is the site of a house in Shrewsbury, officially known as Mount House that belonged to Robert Darwin and was the birthplace of his son Charles Darwin.

Overview

The large Georgian house was built in 1800 by local doctor Robert Darwin. Charles Darwin was born there on 12 February 1809.

Robert Darwin died on 13 November 1848 in the house. Catherine and Susan both died in 1866 and The Mount was put up for auction 1866, 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 and since then there have been many other successes and achievements.

As of 2004^[update], the house is the District Valuer and Valuation Office of Shrewsbury, and visits may be made during office hours. The building is grade II* listed.

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