Darwin and the Origin of Species – A Victorian Reckoning

Eighteenth-century naturalist Charles Darwin’s book On the Origin of Species turned the scientific world on its head in a century obsessed with order and certainty. In this episode we unpack how the book was received across Britain, from church leaders debating theology to ordinary citizens wrestling with a new vision of life that challenged static conceptions of species and society. We also explore the long‑term impact of Darwin’s ideas on British science, culture and identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices