On the 230th Anniversary of the Birth of Lord Byron

It Was A Long Time Ago

A copy of the 1812 Parish Register of Linby, Nottinghamshire, shows the erasure of the birth register of a male infant believed by most scholars to be fathered by Lord Byron.

A tentative construction made at the actual time of examining this document, bearing in mind contemporary registry formulae might (and very likely does) read:

“Sept 24 George illegitimate Son of Lucy Monk: illegitimate Son of Baron Byron of Newstead Nottingham Newstead Abbey.” - Ralph Lloyd-Jones (Byron’s Servant Relationships)

Descendant and end of the direct bloodline.

A contemporary depiction of Lord Byron and Lucy Monk in oils.

Epiphany

I suppose for me it was a moment of sudden and great revelation; though at the time I was so slender in years, indeed a mere infant, that I saw it only for what it was - a bright light.

In the darkness. 

The bedroom where I slept had me facing the window, but only night peered in through the panes of glass with glows of gas lamps in the street below. Glows, almost impotent. Dull.  

Increasing brightness arose from within the room. Just slightly to my right. It enlarged.

With intensity.

Then I heard the soft voice. Kind. Beautiful. It was close to my ear, but I saw nobody. One word was whispered. I cannot say after so long how many times. At least three. Maybe five.

Just one word.

I was five. A word that remained with me, and would have more meaning than any other.

A name.

This was my epiphany.

Twelfth Night