22 January 1788: George Gordon (Lord) Byron is born

Lord Byron, whose full name was George Gordon Byron, was born on 22 January 1788, in London, England. He was an English romantic poet and has been regarded as among the greatest of English poets.

Byron came from a prominent and aristocratic family. He was the only child of Captain John Byron (known as ‘Jack’) a profligate and a spendthrift, and his second wife Catherine Gordon, an heiress. His parent’s marriage was troubled, and they separated just a few months after Byron’s birth.

Young Byron’s early childhood was marked by financial difficulties and family instability. In 1798, his father died, leaving the family burdened with debt. As a result, Byron inherited the title of Baron Byron at the age of ten but did not inherit wealth to match. The death of his great-uncle in 1798 elevated him to the position of the 6th Baron Byron and he inherited Newstead Abbey, the family estate, but it was in a state of disrepair.

Byron spent some of his early years in Aberdeen, Scotland, with his mother. He was born with a deformity in his right foot (club foot), which affected his self-esteem throughout his life. This physical characteristic led to feelings of isolation and a desire for social acceptance.

After an early education at Aberdeen Grammar School, Byron then attended Dulwich and Harrow, where he was reported to be an undistinguished student and an unskilled cricketer. Continuing his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, Byron gained a reputation for his wit, charm, and extravagant lifestyle and showed signs of literary talent. His experiences and exposure to the Romantic ideals of the time greatly influenced his later works. Despite his financial troubles, Byron continued to indulge in a lavish lifestyle, accumulating debts and engaging in numerous romantic affairs.

The tumultuous events of Byron’s early life, including family issues, financial struggles, and personal challenges, played a significant role in shaping his character and influencing the themes of his later works. His writing is characterized by a unique blend of romanticism, rebellious spirit, and introspection and explores the complexities of human emotions. Byron went on to become one of the leading figures of the Romantic movement in literature, leaving an enduring legacy through his poetry and dramatic works.

Byron contracted a violent fever and died in April 1824 aged 36.