In recognition of his great contributions to science, Queen Victoria expressed the wish that the great scientist Charles Darwin be buried in a state funeral. The scientist's body was buried in Westminster Abbey next to the tomb of astronomer and chemist John Frederick William Herschel and next to Sir Isaac Newton. The funeral, which took place on April 26, was attended by thousands of people.
Only four 19th-century Britons who were not members of the royal family were laid to rest in Westminster Abbey.
