A new blue plaque has been unveiled along the South West Coast Path to honour Ada Lovelace, a pioneering mathematician widely recognised as one of the world’s first computer programmers. The plaque commemorates Lovelace’s historical ties to the Porlock area and aims to inspire young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, joined members of the Ada in Porlock committee at Ashley Combe to mark this significant tribute. The Ada in Porlock initiative was launched in May with the dual goals of boosting local tourism and encouraging STEM education among local youth. Lovelace’s family once lived at Ashley Combe, cementing her connection to the area.
Supported by the Exmoor National Park Authority, the committee has also begun restoring woodlands once maintained by Ada Lovelace and her husband, William King, preserving both the natural landscape and historical heritage.
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Since the project’s launch, Rachel Gilmour MP has actively promoted the initiative in Westminster and is working to secure a Backbench Debate in Parliament to further raise its profile.
Jeff Cox, a committee member, expressed gratitude for the MP’s support, stating, “Using Ada Lovelace’s local legacy to inspire schoolchildren in STEM and to celebrate the landscape she helped shape is invaluable.”
Rachel Gilmour added, “I am delighted to unveil this blue plaque at Ashley Combe and proud of the Ada in Porlock project’s impact on our community. Ada Lovelace’s legacy is a powerful inspiration for the next generation, especially young women, to explore and excel in STEM careers.”