Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace, born Augusta Ada Byron, was the only legitimate child of the poet Lord Byron and his wife, Anne Isabella Milbanke. Her parents separated shortly after her birth.

Lord Byron and Anne Isabella Byron separated, and Lord Byron left England, never to see his daughter again. Ada was raised by her mother, who emphasized education to counter Byron's influence.

Ada began a correspondence with Mary Somerville, a Scottish mathematician and astronomer, who became her mentor and introduced her to leading scientists and mathematicians of the time.

Ada was introduced to Charles Babbage, a mathematician and inventor, at a party. Babbage was working on his Difference Engine, and this meeting sparked Ada's interest in his work.

Ada married William King, later to become the 1st Earl of Lovelace. They had three children together and she became known as Ada King, Countess of Lovelace.

Ada translated an article by Luigi Menabrea on Babbage's Analytical Engine, adding extensive notes that included what is now considered the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine.

Ada's translated article and her own extensive notes were published, showcasing her deep understanding of the Analytical Engine and its potential applications, including complex calculations and music composition.

Ada pursued advanced studies in mathematics, working with Augustus De Morgan, a leading mathematician of the time, to deepen her understanding of the Analytical Engine and its capabilities.

Ada began to experience severe health problems, including abdominal pain and bleeding. Despite her declining health, she continued to work on mathematical and scientific projects.

Ada Lovelace died of uterine cancer at the age of 37. She was buried next to her father, Lord Byron, in the family vault at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.