About this episode

This episode explores the history of natural history in Britain, highlighting key figures and concepts that shaped the field.

As broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday, Amy Matthews explores how Britain learned to observe, record and make sense of the living world and why those early questions about nature still matter today. Beginning at Down House, the family home of Charles Darwin, this episode explores how natural history was shaped not just by Darwin’s famous ideas, but by generations of collectors, classifiers and curious observers. From ancient thinking to early citizen science and the origins of modern-day questions, history-of-science expert Dr Edwin Rose from the University of Leeds and English Heritage’s Sabrina Villani explore how this became both a science and a national pastime. Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠ Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.* Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠ The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. *Offer is available through the use…

People in this episode

Host: Amy Matthews

Guests: Dr Edwin Rose, Sabrina Villani

Topics covered

• natural history
• David Attenborough
• Charles Darwin
• science history
• citizen science
• observation of nature

Keywords

• natural history
• David Attenborough
• Charles Darwin
• science
• observation
• citizen science
• history of science

Sponsors

English Heritage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Leeds

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