Person    | Male  Born 26/12/1791  Died 18/10/1871

Charles Babbage

Categories: Science, Seriously Famous

Mathematician and pioneer of the modern computer. Probably born in Crosby Row on what is now Walworth Road. Went to school at Freeman's academy in Enfield.

He was critical, to the point of rudeness, of the Royal Society, its officers and other scientists. Even his friend, Herschel, wrote that he would like to give Babbage "a good slap in the face". After his death he was described as "an irascible genius". Ada Lovelace seems to have been able to cope with him. He died at home, 1 Dorset Street.

Most of him is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery but his brain was felt too special to be allowed to turn to dust. Half is held at the Hunterian Museum and half at the Science Museum. We learnt this at Londonist's splendid post about the Cemetery.

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Charles Babbage

Commemorated ati

Charles Babbage - SE17

Plaques really should contain enough information to explain their presence at...

Read More

Charles Babbage - W1

This is where Babbage died.

Read More

Other Subjects

Agnes Arber

Agnes Arber

Botanist and biologist - a leading authority in her field, her research spanning the disciplines of science, history and philosophy. She published many books and scientific papers, in particular 'H...

Person, Science

1 memorial
Robert Hooke

Robert Hooke

Natural philosopher (or scientist, in today's terminology) and architect. Born Isle of Wight. Curator of Experiments at the Royal Society, Professor of Geometry at Gresham College, Surveyor to the ...

Person, Architecture, Science

2 memorials
Sir Roderick Murchison

Sir Roderick Murchison

Born Tarradale, Ross and Cromarty. Had a successful army career and was set to dedicate the rest of his life to fox-hunting, before, with his wife's encouragement, turning to science. Geologist. Wo...

Person, Science, Scotland

2 memorials
Joseph Addison

Joseph Addison

Politician and writer. Born Milston, Wiltshire.

Person, Politics & Administration, Science

1 memorial
Sir John Lubbock

Sir John Lubbock

Banker, politician and scientific writer. Born at 29 Eaton Place. He went into his father's banking business at the age of 14 and became a partner in 1856. Entered parliament in 1870, and succeeded...

Person, Commerce, Politics & Administration, Science

1 memorial