Blue plaque in Leicestershire for world's first computer programmer

Did you know the world's first computer programmer was from Kirkby Mallory?

Ada Lovelace, who was born in 1815 and grew up in Kirkby Mallory is to be honoured with a blue plaque in the village. 

She was the daughter of the famous poet Lord Byron and Lady Anne Isabella Milbanke Byron, living at Kirkby Hall when she was young girl. Ada was a gifted mathematician and is considered to be the first computer programmer following her work with Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine, a calculating machine which required a written program to carry out complex calculations.

In recognition of her achievements, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council will be holding an event in the Byron Suite at Mallory Park Racing Circuit on Ada Lovelace Day on Tuesday 10 October at 11am. There will be an informative talk about Ada’s life, prior to the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at 12.30pm.

This will be followed by a visit to her memorial in the grounds of All Saints Church, Kirkby Mallory.

Executive Member for Culture at the Borough Council, Councillor Maureen Cook said: “I am really pleased to see such a remarkable lady honoured in this way. Her achievements and dedication need to be recorded and the blue plaque is a fitting tribute.”

On 8 July 1835 Ada married William, eighth Baron King, becoming Lady King. When he was made Earl of Lovelace and Viscount Ockham, she became Augusta Ada King-Noel, Countess of Lovelace. Ada Lovelace died in 1852.