“Charles Babbage and Ada Byron” talk by Lucy Simister

Babbage was a towering figure of his era – who in a fit of pique turned down a knighthood – and should be given his place in the hall of fame alongside Brunel, Faraday, Hershel and the other great inventors. Indeed Brunel might have faded into obscurity had it not been for Babbage – but that is part of the story… This is a biographical account of the life of this underrated genius and his relationship with the intellectually formidable Ada Byron – whose incredibly influential input was vital to his achievements.