The First Computer Programmer Was a Woman In the 1800s!

By Tom Hasker, Associate Partner, Lighthouse International Group

The idea for a mechanical computer has been around since 1786. Surprising? Well you could be forgiven for thinking this, given that the device you are reading this on originated with a mechanical machine that is slightly bigger than a double decker bus!

Furthermore, every computer needs to run a program and the world’s first published computer programmer was Ada Lovelace. The daughter of poet Lord Byron, Ada’s upbringing was not conventional and it was her passion, vision and drive that lead her to become one of the most influential people in history, yet a very under recognised legend.

The Science Museum have a small version of the ‘Difference Engine’ that is the great grandparent to the modern computer and they will soon be holding an exhibition all about Ada Lovelace. Watch this space for more about how the work of this remarkable woman played a vital role in modern air traffic control!

We’ve been moving the Difference Engine No.1 today in preparation for our Ada Lovelace exhibition @sciencemuseum pic.twitter.com/Qdvx6Fxphd

— Tilly Blyth (@tillyblyth) September 29, 2015

 

Are there any unknown legends in history that have inspired you?

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