Bookings are closed for this event.
8th November 2023, 10:30 - 14:30
Join our President, Chris Howard on a visit to this special historic home of Lord Lovelace, whose wife Ada Lovelace is known as the “mother of computing”. The day includes a talk by local historian Roger Price, a tour and buffet lunch.
This is a rare opportunity to explore historic Horsley Towers, now owned by De Vere Hotels. Due to popular demand we are repeating this visit. The mansion, which sits at the heart of the estate was originally built in 1820, designed by Charles Barry, the architect of The Houses of Parliament. In the late 19th-century, the mansion was bought by Lord Lovelace who further enhanced the property with the bold architectural features that can still be seen throughout, including the stuccoed tower, great hall, chapel and the cloisters. The country seat was passed down through the generations, later being the marital home of Ada Lovelace the well-known mathematician and writer, before being bought by Sir Thomas Sopwith, the inventor of the Sopwith Camel aeroplane. Today, the estate has seen the addition of a contemporary management centre and the renovation of the original stables, that collectively with the mansion house create an eclectic mix of old and new.
Local historian, Roger Price will give a talk about one of Horsley Towers most famous residents, Ada Lovelace. The daughter of poet, Lord Byron. She was an outstanding mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first to recognise that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation, and to have published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. As a result, she is often regarded as the first computer programmer.
Following the talk there will be a social buffet lunch and tour of the gardens and some parts of the house.
There will be refreshments on arrival followed by buffet lunch and please indicate any food allergies in the comments box when booking. Alcohol can be ordered separately from the bar at your own cost.
This event is not designed for children and pushchairs. Dogs are not permitted.
The talk and lunch will be accessible to those with mobile challenges but please call Chris Howard on 07879 841000 to discuss.
Cost to Members: £30.00
Cost to Non-members: £35.00
Deadline for booking 6 November 2023.
Any enquiries please contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org
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