Lord Byron died in Greece - On this day in history

Lord Byron, the romantic poet died on 19 April 1824 whilst helping in the fight for Greek independence. Byron, who carried the title 6th Baron Byron, was educated in Aberdeen and although born in London, was proud of his Scottish ancestry.

He died of a fever contracted whilst attempting to defeat the Ottomans at the Gulf of Corinth. He became a national hero in Greece and the country's national poet Dionysios Solomos wrote To the Death of Lord Byron in his honour.

The image shows Byron on his deathbed, by Joseph Dennis Odevaere (c1826).

Further reading

Lord Byron: the Major Works