Learn about Charles Darwin and his connection to Ilkley at u3a talk

All are invited to pop in to Clarke Foley near the main car park in the centre of town from 10am on Saturday, May 20 for a free hot drink. Then listen to the fascinating story of how, when the Origins of Species was published on 24 November 1859, Charles Darwin, was near the end of a nine-week stay in the then remote Yorkshire village of Ilkley.

Wells House Hydro 1862 (Image: submitted)

He had, of course, come for the 'water cure'- a regime of cold baths and wet sheets - and for relaxation. But he used his time in Ilkley to shore up support, through extensive correspondence, for the extraordinary theory that the Origin would put before the World: evolution by natural selection.

Mike Dixon has lived in Ilkley since 1970 and after retiring as Professor of Gastrointestinal Pathology at the University of Leeds, he has become well known locally for his series of books and lectures on local history. Like so many other members of u3a, he has used his time in retirement to further develop his interest in a topic.

Wells Terrace 1890 (Image: submitted)

Mike is happy to embrace the motto of u3a which is ‘Learn, Laugh, and Live’. So if you have time to spare and an interest to pursue, u3a might be just what you need. An opportunity to meet like-minded folk with shared interests. In Ilkley there are over 100 interest groups meeting regularly and more than 1,800 members. So there is bound to be common ground to be found with others living locally.

Ask about joining u3a when coming to the lecture or just search the internet for Ilkley & District u3a.

How Darwin’s visit is commemorated in Ilkley today.

Darwin Gardens. The former West View Park on Wells Road, was revived and restored as a Millennium Green and renamed Darwin Gardens in memory of the visit being officially opened on 24th June 2000. Today the gardens are managed by Ilkley Town Council.

Darwin Gardens maze (Image: submitted)

A key feature of the gardens is the unique Millennium Green Maze. The monument at the start of the maze suggests early mankind’s ideas about the world, drawing on symbols from ancient rock-carvings found upon Ilkley Moor. The monument at the end of the maze has an archaic cross which symbolises the coming of Christianity to Ilkley and commemorating the Christian Millennium.

A Ilkley Civic Society blue plaque at Wells House (Image: submitted)

Ilkley Civic Society Blue Plaques. The Darwin family stayed at Hillside on Wells Terrace and treatment was in nearby Wells House. Both building are now converted into residential flats but both proudly display their blue plaque marking their association with Charles Darwin.