Southwell’s importance as birthplace of Lord Byron’s published poetry revealed in new book by enthusiast Geoffrey Bond

A new book by a renowned Byron enthusiast has revealed the poet’s Southwell home was the birthplace his first published works.

Geoffrey Bond’s latest book, Byron’s Manor, uses Byron’s early poetry and letters written at Burgage Manor to show that it was while living here between 1803 and 1808 that he decided to publish his first four volumes of poetry.

It is Mr Bond’s third book about the poet, who was one of the major figures of the Romantic Movement.

He is also 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, as Byron is more famously known for his ancestral home of Newstead Abbey.

Byron’s Manor 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.

Mr Bond has lived in Burgage Manor for over 30 years and wrote his new book in Byron’s former bedroom — now the Byron Room — which has given him unique and personal insight into Byron’s early poetry.

He bought Burgage Manor knowing of its Byronic associations and has since collected hundreds of books and memorabilia relating to Byron.

Mr 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.”

To be released on December 4, in the bicentenary year of Byron’s death in 1824, 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.

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, Mr 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.

Complete with designs by Nottinghamshire artist, Nick Hugh McCann, Byron’s Manor is now available to purchase through Amazon for £25.