Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace, credited with writing the world’s first computer program in 1844, spent her honeymoon close to our beautiful village. During her many visits, she shared new ideas, corresponding with leaders in the fields of science and mathematics such as Charles Babbage and Michael Faraday. Today, we are encouraging young people in West Somerset and Exmoor to follow in her steps, exploring this world of new technologies with that same imagination and self-confidence.
We are exploring how Ada’s brilliant mind led her to ask far-reaching questions which none could fully answer then and still challenge us today. Encouraged by her energies, we are exploring and sharing her love of science, music, art and the beautiful Exmoor countryside.

The Bernoulli numbers computation that led to Ada’s lasting recognition
Come visit us in Porlock
Take our easy to follow ‘Stroll with Ada’ route through the village, passing buildings Ada would have known. Visit historic Porlock Weir, renowned for its colossal tidal range. Take the pretty South West Coast Path through Culbone Woods. We are working with the Exmoor National Park Authority to restore these to the picturesque style that Ada and her husband William created.
And do come back. See how our young people in Porlock are taking tomorrow’s technologies in their stride. And join us as we ask those questions which Ada asked and see where we might reach.
Come visit us in Porlock
Take our easy to follow ‘Stroll with Ada’ route through the village, passing buildings Ada would have known. Visit historic Porlock Weir, renowned for its colossal tidal range. Take the pretty South West Coast Path through Culbone Woods. We are working with the Exmoor National Park Authority to restore these to the picturesque style that Ada and her husband William created.
And do come back. See how our young people in Porlock are taking tomorrow’s technologies in their stride. And join us as we ask those questions which Ada asked and see where we might reach.

Latest news
Ada in Porlock on BBC Radio Somerset
Dr. Stephen Colson was invited onto the Simon Parkin show on BBC Radio Somerset to explain our progress and plans in using the legacy of Ada Lovelace to increase the interest and uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in local schools....
Minehead Middle school pupils get to grips with the fundamentals of scientific iteration
Pupils from Minehead Middle school (MMS) have just been assessed by external experts for their work on “Looping and Repeating”, sponsored by Ada in Porlock. Repeating patterns and the looping of control systems are fundamental in all areas of nature, science &...
Fresh discoveries in Ada’s woodland
We have just completed our second induction day for volunteers to our Ada Woodland Restoration project on the edge of Ashley Combe where Ada and William took their honeymoon in 1835 and then used it as their summer residence. This is being run in conjunction with the...