Byron's Daughter takes up Residence in Hucknall Church

From the corridors of power to a Hucknall church – a portrait of Ada Lovelace, on loan from the Government Art Collection and currently on display at 10 Downing Street will be taking up residence in St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Hucknall this summer.

The portrait of Ada, Countess of Lovelace, painted by Margaret Carpenter in 1836, will be the centrepiece of this year’s International Byron Festival. Ada was Byron’s only legitimate daughter. And though she never met her father, she is buried next to him in St Mary’s. Celebrating the poet’s connections to Nottinghamshire, the festival will feature all things Byron, from scholarly lectures to community events.

The festival will take place in and around Hucknall, the final resting place of both Byron and Ada, between 4 and 16 July. Byron’s work and exploits are internationally-renowned, often overshadowing the very real and far-reaching achievements of his legitimate daughter. Ada was a brilliant mathematician who worked closely with Charles Babbage – the father of modern computing.

Alongside the Greek dancing displays celebrating Byron’s strong connections with Greece, ghost walks at Annesley Hall and dancing at the Byron ball, the festival will also feature an Ada-themed computer workshop. Such was Ada’s contribution to Babbage’s work the computing language ADA was named after her.

The Earl of Lytton, direct descendant of Byron, and president of the Newstead Abbey Byron Society said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for lovers of Byron and his poetry to join with Byronists celebrating in and with the community of Hucknall; the generous loan of the portrait of Ada Lovelace brings into focus Byron’s daughter, a pioneer of the technology for our own time and reinforces links between one of the nation’s greatest and most enduring poets and the county of Nottinghamshire.”

Maureen Crisp, executive director of the International Byron Society, said:

“The fame of Byron the Poet and his daughter Ada, has without question put the town of Hucknall on the world stage. Tourists from around the world will be visiting Hucknall and I sincerely trust they will find time to look at our other great figures of history, Eric Coates, composer, Robin Bailey, actor, Benjamin Caunt, the bare knuckle boxing champion of all England, the wonderful Kempe windows in the Parish Church. Our history is proud and rich, it is there for everyone to enjoy.”

John Heeley, chief executive of Experience Nottinghamshire, said “Byron is one of the county’s enduring literary heroes. His work is known the world over and his links to Nottinghamshire are well documented. This festival allows Byron-lovers from across the world to explore his work and discover new facets to his character – and other famous family members. We’re looking forward to welcoming Ada’s portrait to Nottinghamshire for the first time.”

For more information on the International Byron Festival visit www.visitnotts.com or www.internationalbyronsociety.org

Find out more about Hucknall and how to get to Hucknall