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Lord Byron’s orthopaedic boot, England, 1781-1810

  • Science Museum, London
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Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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Credit: Lord Byron’s orthopaedic boot, England, 1781-1810. Science Museum, London. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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Lord Byron (1788-1824) is a celebrated poet. He reputedly wore this tiny shoe. He was born with a deformed right foot. Byron’s foot caused him great pain and frustration. One story claims he threw his leg brace into a pond as a boy. Given the small size of the shoe (10cm long), this example was worn by a child. New leg braces and orthopaedic boots would have been needed as the child grew. This orthopaedic boot was secured around the shin with a leather buckle. It was worn with a metal leg brace. Leg braces support the weight of the body and encourage leg bones to grow in the correct positions. maker: Unknown maker Place made: England, United Kingdom

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