Erasmus Darwin was the grandfather of Charles Darwin and was a doctor, botanist, scientist & inventor. He had his own theories of evolution and undoubtedly inspired Charles who, years later, immortalised his own ideas in his work about "The Origin of the Species"

Erasmus was a member of the acclaimed Lunar Society, whose members included Matthew Boulton and James Watt, who themselves were famous for their innovative work on steam engines.

The Lunar Society was so called because the members habitually met whenever there was a full moon. This invited their critics to call them "The Lunatics". However there was great method about their purpose, and not the least sign of madness, because the moonlight made it much easier for them to travel by carriage to their meeting places.

Erasmus Darwin's House in Lichfield would have been a regular venue.