Lord Byron signed a deed of separation, dissolving his marriage to his wife of one year
Lord Byron signed a deed of separation, dissolving his marriage to his wife of one year. Lady Byron, a religious prodigy, was an odd match for the flamboyant and agnostic poet. However, her letters implied that she hoped to reform him and bring him to God. Their one year of marriage was tumultuous, as Lord Byron grew in financial debt, drank heavily, and engaged in numerous affairs. After the birth of their daughter, Ada, Lady Byron moved in with her parents. She sought divorce, which Byron refused, until she documented her reasons for seeking separation, including Byron’s homosexual affairs as well as an incestuous relationship with his half sister. Lord Byron agreed and emigrated to the Mediterranean, never seeing his wife or daughter again. (April 16, 1816)