HMS Beagle: Dock for Darwin's ship gets protected status

The remains of a rare 19th Century dock built for Charles Darwin's ship HMS Beagle has been recognised as a site of national importance. The submerged mud berth on the River Roach in Rochford, Essex, will now be protected against unauthorised change. The ship, launched in 1820, allowed Darwin to make observations that led to his theory of natural selection. "We are glad to see this site in a quiet corner of Essex given national protection," said Historic England. "This is a fascinating example of a rare piece of maritime history."