Often dubbed as one of the first modern celebrities, Lord Byron was a leading figures of the Romantic movement, a literary and cultural movement that arose in the late 18th Century. Romanticism emphasised human imagination and the awe-inspiring power of nature, serving as a counter to the rapidly industrialising world. This movement, sparked by the French Revolution, reshaped literature by focusing on personal expression and the beauty of the natural world. Byron’s works, such as Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage and Don Juan, exemplify the ideals associated with this movement.
However, beyond his literary genius, there are many intriguing facets of Lord Byron’s life that are lesser known. Let’s delve deeper into the life of this enigmatic poet and uncover the man behind the myth.
Birth and inheritance
Born George Gordon Byron on January 22, 1788, in London, Byron’s early life was marked by turbulence and hardship. Both of his parents came from affluent backgrounds, but his father, Captain John (“Mad Jack”) Byron, squandered much of the family fortune. Following his father’s death when Byron was just three, he was raised by his Scottish mother, Catherine Gordon, in Aberdeen. Despite their aristocratic lineage, they lived in relative poverty. Byron inherited the title of ‘Baron Byron of Rochdale’ at the age of 10 after the death of his great-uncle. This title brought substantial debts, adding a heavy burden to his young shoulders. He had to sell Newstead Abbey the ancestral home he inherited with the title to become debt-free.
Byron led a colourful and adventurous life, full of travels and exciting stories. He was famous for his poetry and had a bit of a scandalous reputation because he loved breaking the rules. Despite his wild ways, he was a brilliant writer who inspired many. He passed away in April 1824 at Missolonghi, in present day Greece.
A painitng of Newstead Abbey the ancestral home of Lord Byron in 1880. | Photo Credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Byron also had a club foot, a physical disability that made him acutely self-conscious throughout his life. This, combined with his noble yet troubled upbringing, shaped much of his character and influenced his literary voice.
Cambridge & the curious case of the pet bear
Representational image | Photo Credit: Freepik
Byron was sent to school in London and also studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. The poet’s university days at Cambridge were marked by his notorious rebellious streak. The university’s strict regulations often clashed with his free spirit. One memorable incident involved a rule that prohibited dogs in student quarters. Byron, never one to follow the beaten path, responded by bringing a tamed bear to live with him instead. This act of defiance not only shocked the university but also underscored his disdain for arbitrary rules. According to historian Dr Corin Throsby, Byron had rescued the bear from a circus, showcasing his penchant for challenging societal norms in the most dramatic ways.
“I have got a new friend, the finest in the world, a tame bear. When I brought him here, they asked me what to do with him, and my reply was, ‘he should sit for a fellowship’.”- Lord Byron
At home in nature
Byron’s love for animals extended well beyond his university days. His home was a veritable zoo, filled with a variety of creatures. Percy Bysshe Shelley, a close friend and fellow poet, described Byron’s Italian villa as housing “ten horses, eight enormous dogs, three monkeys, five cats, an eagle, a crow, and a falcon.” Shelley even noted encountering “five peacocks, two guinea hens, and an Egyptian crane” on the grand staircase. This eclectic collection of animals reflected Byron’s eccentric and compassionate nature.
The rise to fame
Byron’s ascent to literary stardom was swift and sensational. The first two parts of his four-part poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, published after a transformative tour of Europe and the Middle East, catapulted him to fame. The poem introduced the archetype of the ‘Byronic hero’—a dark, brooding figure with a mysterious past, traits that many believed mirrored Byron himself. This persona fascinated readers and contributed to his immense popularity. The poet’s archetype of the Byronic hero has inspired many iconic characters including Heathcliff from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Mr. Rochester from Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
Byron’s fame grew alongside advancements in mass publishing, allowing his work to reach a vast audience. However, this also led to widespread piracy, a constant source of frustration for him.
The inspiration behind the first vampire in English literature
Representational Image | Photo Credit: Freepik
In the summer of 1816, Byron vacationed by Lake Geneva with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Godwin (later Mary Shelley), and John William Polidori (Byron’s doctor). During this time, they entertained themselves by telling ghost stories. Mary’s story evolved into Frankenstein, but Polidori’s tale became The Vampyre, a novel which is considered to be the first vampire story in English literature. The novel’s sinister lead character, based heavily on Byron’s persona, contributed to its popularity. Many initially thought Byron himself had penned the tale, adding to the mystique surrounding him.
Byromania: The birth of a celebrity
Byromania and the Birth of Celebrity Culture by Ghislaine McDayter an Associate Professor of English Literature at Bucknell University looks at the popularity and fandom of Lord Byron to study the beginning of celebrity culture
Byron is often attributed as being the first person to receive fan mail, this phenomenal fanfare was dubbed “Byromania” by his wife Annabella. His fans, predominantly women, often wrote to him anonymously, expressing deep personal connections to his poetry. These letters underscored the powerful impact his work had on his audience, making him a cultural icon of his time. Critics believe Byron was one of the first modern celebrities due to his widespread fame, the intense public scrutiny of his personal life, and his ability to command attention through both his literary works and flamboyant lifestyle. This level of popularity was unprecedented for a poet and set the stage for how we view fame today.
Ada Lovelace: A legacy beyond poetry
Ada Lovelace | Photo Credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Byron’s legacy extended to his only legitimate daughter, Ada Lovelace. Born on December 10, 1815, Ada who became a pioneering mathematician and is often credited by many as being the first computer programmer. Her contributions to the field of computing are celebrated on Ada Lovelace Day, which is observed on the second Tuesday of every October. The early programming language “Ada” was also named after her, cementing her legacy in the world of technology.
Lord Byron’s life was a blend of rebellion, creativity, and influence. From his early hardships and defiance of societal norms to his profound impact on literature and enduring legacy through his daughter Ada, Byron remains a captivating figure in history.
