A BLUE plaque dedicated to Ada Lovelace has been unveiled near Porlock to recognise the time she lived in the area nearly 200 years ago.

Ada, who is recognised today as a world pioneer in computer programming, spent summers living in Ashley Combe, Porlock Weir.

The blue plaque was secured by the Ada in Porlock initiative, which promotes tourism and encourages pupils to pursue science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects and explore new directions in computing science and technology.

It was unveiled by West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour, who is also hoping to secure a Back Bench Debate in Parliament on the Ada in Porlock project.

The plaque has been positioned on the South West Coast Path, where Ada in Porlock volunteers have started to restore a woodland area which she established with her husband William King, which is now managed by Exmoor National Park Authority.

The area formed part of the famous ‘Philosopher’s Walk’ at Ada’s home where she and Charles Babbage, known as the ‘father of the computer’, envisioned a digital world.

Ada in Porlock committee member Jeff Cox said: “We are grateful for Rachel’s support as we use the inspiration of Ada Lovelace’s local connections, both to encourage schoolchildren in the study of STEM subjects and to appreciate the landscape she helped shape.”

Mrs Gilmour, said: “I would like to thank all the Ada in Porlock committee members for inviting me to unveil the blue plaque at Ashley Combe.

“The Ada in Porlock project is fantastic for the local Porlock community, and I look forward to ensuring the initiative gets the recognition it deserves in Parliament.

“We are lucky to have such a prominent historical figure with strong ties to our area, inspiring the next generation, particularly young women and girls, to learn more about careers in STEM.”