Charles Darwin lived in Down House for 40 years, from 1842 until his death on 19th April 1882.

The 12th of February 2018, marked the 209th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. To celebrate this event, this article looks at Darwin’s legacy and retraces his footsteps in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean, which he visited from April 29 to May 9 in 1836, as a naturalist on board the HMS Beagle.

Darwin documented his voyage around the world, including Mauritius in his famous publication ‘The Voyage of the Beagle’.

Darwin’s description of the Northern end of Mauritius, specifically Pamplemousses, as the Beagle passed round on its way to the port is still recognisable. The ‘large fields of sugar-cane of a bright green’ as Darwin wrote, still adorn around a quarter of the island and play a key role in the Mauritian economy.

In Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses, the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere, the famous giant water lilies pond lies along the avenue called Charles Darwin Avenue, in his honour.

On his walks in Port Louis town, Darwin mentioned a ‘pretty little theatre where excellent operas are performed’. This London style Municipal Theatre still stands proud although in need of renovation. Built in 1822, it is the oldest theatre in the Indian Ocean. He also found 'the various races of men walking in the street' an 'interesting spectacle'. Nowadays,  Mauritius is a true melting pot of cultures and ethnicities and the people are a mix of Indian, African, European and Chinese heritage.

Darwin also scaled ‘Le Pouce’ mountain where, as he did, hikers enjoy an ‘excellent view over the island’ and Darwin’s eloquent description of the volcanic nature of the island is for all to appreciate.

Furthermore, Darwin was the guest of Captain Lloyd, the state engineer, at Llewellyn Castle. Built in 1815, it has seen many changes since. Now called Le Thabor, it is owned by the Diocese of Port Louis and carries a commemorative plaque marking Darwin’s stay. The magnificent gardens are the habitat for over 300 recorded species of plants. Père Gérard de Fleuriot, who will be 84 years old on 1 May 2018, was given the responsibility to renovate and embellish the gardens. He said, “I am a great believer in the theory of evolution and happy to have created a garden in the place where Darwin stayed.”

Not far from Le Thabor, lies Balfour Gardens where Aldabra tortoises are kept. In 1874, Darwin and other scientists co-signed a letter to the Governor of Mauritius asking him to relocate Aldabra tortoises to Mauritius to ensure their survival.

Darwin also gathered information on the depth of coral reefs in Mauritius, as well as elsewhere, to explain his coral theory, following which he published ‘Coral Reefs’, his first monograph.

His visit to Mauritius is seen as an important point in history and to mark 100 years since his death, four official first day cover stamps were issued on 19th April 1982.

Meredith Cason, Property Supervisor at Down House said, “The voyage of the HMS Beagle was for Darwin the most extraordinary period of his life, which helped ‘determine his whole career’ as a naturalist and scientist. "

By Zahra D'Souza, Sydenham High School