THE family of Charles Darwin, the pioneer of evolution, held a special service in Malvern this week to mark the death of the great scientist's daughter.

Anne Darwin, who died aged ten, 150 years ago this week, is buried in the churchyard at Great Malvern Priory.

The grief caused by her death is thought to have influenced Darwin's religious beliefs and views of the world.

Charles Darwin, one of the greatest thinkers of the Victorian era, originated the theory of evolution, one of the most far-reaching advances in the history of science.

The theory had a huge impact on science, religion and human thought generally, and has never ceased to attract controversy.

Darwin and his family visited Malvern in the middle of the 19th Century, attracted by its water cure.

A short service, conducted by the Rev John Barr, the vicar of Malvern, was held at noon on Wednesday (April 25) at the graveside.

At the ceremony was Charles Darwin's great-great-grandson Randal Keynes, who has just published a book on Annie, and Sarah Darwin, a great-great-granddaughter.

Among the guests were Doreen Speare, who lives in Montreal House, Worcester Road, where Annie died, and who tends her grave, Nell Davis, whose grandparents lived in Montreal House, and Malvern historian Dr John Harcup.

Darwin biographer Dr James Moore and Lady Healey, wife of veteran Labour politician Dennis Healey, were also there. Lady Healey is currently writing a biography of Emma, Darwin's wife. Dr Ralph Colp of New York, who has written on Darwin's illnesses, flew over to Britain specially for the occasion.

Mr Keynes said: "We held this act of remembrance for Anni, because neither her mother or her father could attend then funeral at the time.

"Charles was grief-stricken by Annie's illness and death and it was a pivotal event in his thinking."

Lady Healey, who gave a brief reading at the graveside, said the service had been "delicate and sensitive".

Mrs Speare said her interest in Darwin stemmed from finding out she was living in a house where he stayed during his Malvern visits.

She said: "It has been really interesting to meet people like Mr Keynes. Myself and a friend look after the grave in the churchyard."

The events that fuelled Darwin's ideas are explored in Mr Keynes's new book, Annie's Box.

It covers his development of the theory of evolution and tells how Annie's death led him to abandon his belief in a beneficent God.

Annie's Box is published in hardback by London-based Fourth Estate on Monday, May 3.