Sir Francis Galton
London, England
London residence; plaque on residence.
Galton lived at #42 Rutland Gate, SW, for 50 years. During this time he conducted his studies of individual differences. E. G. Boring (A History of Experimental Psychology) amply praises both the genius and the efforts of the man. Boring notes that Karl Pearson referred to Galton as the "British Wundt."
Galton's London residence, #42 Rutland Gate
Plaque indicating Galton's residence
Rutland Gate is reached most easily from the Knightsbridge Underground Station. Walk westward along Kensington Road for a few blocks. Turn left into Rutland Gate. #42 is located a considerable distance in from Kensington.
Claverdon, Warwickshire, England
Gravesite; memorial plaque in church.
Galton is buried in a family plot in the yard of St. Michel's and All Angels' Church in the lovely village of Claverdon, not far from his place of birth (which no longer stands). His memorial plaque is to be found in the 13th C. Norman church, toward the front of the nave on the right-hand wall.
Galton family plot, Claverdon (behind fence)
Galton's gravestone, Claverdon
Commemorative plaque in church
Lighting inside the church was such that I could not capture a good image of the commemorative plaque. The inscription reads in full as follows:
In Memory of
Sir Francis Galton, F. R. S.
Born 16th February 1822
Died 17th January 1911
Youngest son of Samuel Tertius Galton
and Frances Ann Violette his wife.
Daughter of Erasmus Darwin, F. R. S.
Many branches of Science owe much to his labors
but the dominant idea of his life's work
was to measure the influence of heredity
on the mental and physical attributes of mankind.
Claverdon is located in the vicinity of Stratford-upon-Avon. Directions given here are via auto from London. Head northward on the M40 to the first exit for Stratford. Turn left toward Stratford. Very shortly thereafter turn right toward Norton Lindsey, crossing the highway and continuing straight for some time. Eventually you will encounter a small sign directing you left toward Claverdon. Once in the town, turn left onto Church Road. The church will be visible shortly on the right. If seeking Claverdon from any other direction by auto, the A4189 is the largest road touching the town.
There is a Claverdon stop listed for the British Rail System, about two hours' travel time from London's Paddington and/or Marylebone stations.
weblinks for Sir Francis Galton
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