Malvern, Worcestershire
Malvern Priory, where Darwin's eldest daughter, Annie, was buried © David Leff
Darwin had several long stays at this spa town between 1849 and 1851, and again in 1863.
Malvern spa
Malvern spa © David Leff
Darwin stayed at The Lodge on Worcester Road and took daily water cure treatments at Dr Gully's hydrotherapy facility. This therapy involved cold showers, wet wraps, steam baths, strict diets and long walks in the countryside intended to stimulate the circulation and drive out toxins from the blood and organs.
Malvern Priory
His eldest daughter, Annie, was taken to Malvern for treatment in 1851, suffering from a fever, and died there aged 10. She was buried in Malvern Priory.
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Our fossil insect collection includes Rhyniognatha hirsti, the world's oldest fossil insect, dating back some 400 million years.