Subject

Mathematician and pioneer of the modern computer. Probably born in Crosby Row on what is now Walworth Road. 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". Died at home, 1 Dorset Street.