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.
Explore
News
About Ada
Porlock and Exmoor
About us
Latest news
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...
Moorland Federation schools impress with Ada in Porlock sponsored science activities
More than 200 children at eight schools across Exmoor and West Somerset have just completed their annual science competition, stimulated by a new project, Ada in Porlock, celebrating West Somerset’s connections with the pioneering computer visionary, Ada Lovelace....
Invitation to visitors to discover Porlock as Ada would have known it
Ada in Porlock will soon announce two local walks. A short walk (c.30 minutes) will lead visitors through the village of Porlock, indicating the historic buildings, pubs, tannery and St Dubricius church that Ada Lovelace would recognise. The longer walk will offer...
Working in collaboration with
