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.
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A unique performance in a unique location
Please come along to Ashley Combe on 18th, 19th or 20th September to see the wonderful people of "Stacked Wonky" create a unique performance at the ethereal home of Ada Lovelace; visionary, polymath and the World's first computer programmer.Images courtesy of Jon...
A little piece of history
We are always keen to unearth further evidence of the times that Ada Lovelace spent at Ashley Combe. So, we are delighted to have recently discovered this rare envelope posted from Porlock by Ada to her mother in 1844.We know that from 1835 until 1850, Ada spent many...
Planting and rebuilding for another 200 years of enjoyment and inspiration
The next phase of the restoration of the woodland walks at Ashley Combe started with a fabulous, hard day of planting and clearing. Through painstaking research by Exmoor National Park and Bristol University, the specific tree species brought in by Ada Lovelace and...
Working in collaboration with
