What was the name of the school Charles Darwin attended as a child in Shrewsbury?

Charles Darwin attended Shrewsbury School as a child in Shrewsbury. He entered the school in September 1818, joining his older brother Erasmus as a boarder when he was nine years old.

Shrewsbury School was founded in 1552 by royal charter under Edward VI. In Darwin's era it was an Anglican classical school, where instruction centred heavily on Latin, Greek, and traditional academic subjects. Darwin later remembered his school education as a poor fit for his growing enthusiasm for collecting specimens and observing nature.

Before attending the school, Darwin went to a day school run by the local Unitarian minister. His mother died in 1817, and the following year he moved to Shrewsbury School. He remained there until 1825, when he left to begin medical studies at the University of Edinburgh.

A common mix-up is confusing Shrewsbury School with Eton, Westminster, or Rugby, all famous English schools associated with prominent historical figures. Darwin's connection with Shrewsbury continued throughout his life: he was born in the town, and the school remains closely associated with his early education.