Did you know? Charles Babbage, inventor of the computer
Find out more about Charles Babbage, inventor of the computer. History of Walworth Road Elephant and Castle
Arts and culture
- 4 Dec 2019
Charles Babbage, the forefather of the modern computer, is thought to have been born at an address near Walworth Road in 1791 – a blue plaque commemorating this can be seen at the corner of Larcom Street and Walworth Road.
Babbage – a mathematician, philosopher, inventor and mechanical engineer – invented the first mechanical computer that led to electronic designs many years later. His ‘Difference Engine’ was created to calculate a series of values automatically and avoid the need for multiplication and division.
The Science Museum in London has constructed two Difference Engines as per Babbage’s original plans, and hopes to create his Analytical Engine in time to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Babbage’s death in 2021.
The Science Museum in London has constructed two Difference Engines as per Babbage’s original plans, and hopes to create his Analytical Engine in time to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Babbage’s death in 2021.