A new book, Byron’s Manor, by renowned Byron enthusiast, Geoffrey Bond, reveals that the former home of Lord Byron – Burgage Manor in Southwell, Nottinghamshire – is the birthplace of Byron’s first published poems.
Bond’s third book about the poet – one of the major figures of the Romantic Movement – uses Byron’s early poetry and letters written at Burgage Manor to show that it was whilst living here between 1803-1808 that he decided to publish his first four volumes of poetry.
The book includes a selection of Byron’s early poems written in and about the people of Southwell that have never been published in a book before, as well as new images including the original manuscript of Byron’s poem ‘Farewell to Malta’, Elizabeth Pigot’s house, and a map showing Byron’s likely route (on horseback) from Southwell to Newstead Abbey.
Living in Burgage Manor for over 30 years and writing his new book in Byron’s former bedroom – now the Byron Room – has given Bond a unique and personal insight into Byron’s early poetry. Bond bought Burgage Manor knowing of its Byronic associations and has since collected hundreds of books and memorabilia relating to Byron.
Whilst Byron is more famously known for his ancestral home of Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire, Bond is campaigning for Southwell’s role in Byron’s literary achievements to be commemorated with the award of an official Historic England blue plaque at Burgage Manor, ahead of nominations re-opening in Spring 2025.
Bond said: “Many people are unaware of the significance of Southwell and Newark to the genesis of Byron’s published poetry. It is from here that Byron went on to become one of the most celebrated men in Europe – in his day as famous as Napoleon – and one of our greatest poets. Southwell and Burgage Manor played an important part in helping to make this happen.”
“Nottinghamshire is very well-known for the legend of Robin Hood but it’s now time for Southwell and Newark to be recognised for the role they played in bringing Byron’s early poetry to the general public.”In this bicentenary year of Byron’s death (1824), Byron’s Manor reveals that Byron spent his longest periods at Burgage Manor during 1806 and 1807, before taking up residence at Newstead Abbey in 1808.*
The book also places new importance on Byron’s relationship with Southwell neighbour and mentor, Elizabeth Pigot, who was pivotal in encouraging Byron to publish his early works in nearby Newark-on-Trent.
Byron’s significant early works written and published during his time in Southwell were the first four volumes of his published poetry: Fugitive Pieces, Poems on Various Occasions, Hours of Idleness and Poems Original and Translated.
Many of the poems included in Fugitive Pieces identified some Southwell residents far too clearly – particularly the Southwell Belles – and, on the advice of his good friend and social reformer Thomas Becher, Byron withdrew Fugitive Pieces from circulation as it was deemed too scandalous. Many of the poems from this first collection were then re-written to conceal the identities of some of the Southwell women and published the following year in his second volume: Poems on Various Occasions.
Byron later became famous overnight when he published ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’ in 1812, with some of his most famous works including ‘Don Juan’ written and published from 1819-1824. Byron died in Greece at the age of 36, where he had joined Greek insurgents fighting a war of independence against the Ottoman Empire.
Robin Byron, the current and 13th Lord Byron, said: “This is a refreshingly different angle on the formative years of the poet; there may be more exotic places inhabited by Byron in his early life, but knowing how important those mid to late teen years are to all of us, it is well worth reflecting on this often neglected location.
“This is a highly personal volume; having myself had the privilege of staying at Burgage Manor, I recognise the journey that the author has himself made in building up his fine collection and realising the importance of the poet’s early years in Southwell.”
In writing his new book, Bond used the letters Byron wrote whilst living at Burgage Manor as key primary texts, as well as documents found in a wide range of libraries and galleries, including the Newstead Abbey Collection, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Library of Scotland.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture, and the Arts, said: “We are delighted to support and acknowledge the publication of this book about Lord Byron by local author Geoffrey Bond. It is particularly exciting to have new insight into the connection of Byron’s poetry with both Newark and Southwell. As the book suggests, these locations were pivotal to the creation of his early poetry.
“This new work will be of great interest to all Byron enthusiasts the world over, but particularly to local residents who will recognise many of the buildings and locations mentioned and pictured throughout the book. The illustrations are of excellent quality and offer rare glimpses into the early years of this fascinating and inspiring man. At Newark and Sherwood District Council, we look forward to exploring ways of celebrating and promoting the legacy of Lord Byron in Newark and Southwell.”
Dame Jilly Cooper DBE, renowned romance author, said: “I have always adored Lord Bryon. Both for his great glamour and his glorious poetry. I was therefore blown away by ‘Byron’s Manor’ Geoffrey Bond’s utterly fascinating account of Byron’s early years, and how they influenced his later life as he became one of the most famous men in the world.
“ln addition, Byron had endless lust affairs and a four poster bed with four mattresses to make him bouncier. But while naughty, he was capable of great heroism, particularly when abroad and defending his beloved lsles of Greece. So please read and relish Geoffrey Bond’s marvellous book, ‘Byron’s Manor’ which is indeed manna from Heaven.”
This is Bond’s third book about Byron after Dangerous to Show: Byron and His Portraits (2020) and Lord Byron’s Best Friends (2013), all of which contribute to the wider narrative surrounding the poet’s short but prolific life.
With stunning designs by Nottinghamshire artist, Nick Hugh McCann, Byron’s Manor is now available to purchase through Amazon for £25.00.
Posted on 17 December 2024
