Ada the Great: Victorian whizz who ushered in the age of computers
She is considered the world’s first computer programmer but, like many female trailblazers, she has often been overlooked by historians, unlike her poet father, Lord Byron. Author Beverley Adams tells Laura Smith the Honest Truth about Victorian maths gen
What inspired you to write about Ada Lovelace?
I first came across Ada after studying the work of her father, Lord Byron, and I was intrigued to know what the daughter of this famed poet achieved. I knew she had something to do with computers but not exactly what. I was fascinated to know if she had inherited his genius and it turns out she did but for mathematics rather than words.
Who were her famous parents?
Her father was the poet Lord Byron and her mother was Annabella Milbanke. They had an unhappy marriage and four weeks after Ada’s birth Annabella decided to leave her husband. There had been mounting rumours over his supposed incestuous relationship with his half-sister and he was displaying erratic behaviour. Annabella took a huge risk because then a child legally belonged to its father. Byron could have insisted Ada live with him.
Thankfully, Byron saw his shortcomings and knew it was best to leave his daughter in the care of her mother. He left England for good just weeks later and never saw his daughter again.
Who encouraged her to study mathematics and science?
Her mother was desperate to ensure that Ada did not follow her father down the path to self-destruction and felt that a more logical education would benefit her daughter more than one in the arts. Lady Byron was convinced there was a “Byron curse” and so she regulated Ada’s childhood with a very firm hand.
Ada was an often-suppressed child who enjoyed little fun and had few friends. The ones she did have were vetted by her mother. Thankfully her mother did see the value in educating girls, which many at the time did not.
How did Ada become the first computer programmer?
She was an acquaintance of Charles Babbage and frequented his soirees where she came across a prototype for his latest invention, the Difference Engine. A later machine, The Analytical Engine, was designed and Ada was invited to translate a set of notes that detailed how the machine worked. It was during this process that she realised the true potential of the machine in that it could be programmed to do more than simple calculations. These calculation sequences became the first computer algorithm. Her work was well received at the time and Michael Faraday, the scientist who discovered electromagnetic induction could be used to turn electricity into power, commended her on her work.
She had a good relationship with Babbage and they remained friends until her death.
What was her home and personal life like?
Ada was married to William King, Earl of Lovelace, and had three children. The marriage was not a true love match but there was a mutual respect between them and they got on well. William encouraged his wife in her work and supported her through her bouts of ill health.
Ada had always suffered ill health but her mental health also suffered. She often felt stifled and unfulfilled including in her role as a mother as she struggled to bond with her children. She often yearned for her work where she felt she could really express her true self.
When and how did Ada die?
At the age of 36 on November 27, 1852 from uterine cancer. Her death was drawn out and incredibly painful.
What is Ada’s legacy today?
Ada Lovelace Day takes place on the second Tuesday of October to promote the role of women in STEM. Ada has given her name to many computer programmes, including a computer programming system used by the US military, and to many scientific systems across the world.