Irish delegation visit Lincoln to honour George Boole’s bicentenary

Relatives of self-taught mathematical genius George Boole have joined a delegation from Cork to celebrate the legacy of one of Lincoln’s most influential sons.

Boole was born in Lincoln in 1815 and his work forms the basis of computer science and electronic circuitry. He is widely recognised as the forefather of the information age.

In 1849 Boole was appointed as the first Professor of Mathematics at University College Cork, where he developed his most important work – An Investigation of the Laws of Thought.

During their trip the delegation will visit Lincoln Cathedral, where there is a stained glass window marking Boole’s achievements.

The delegation will also visit the mathematician’s former home and school in Pottergate.

An exhibition commemorating his 200th birthday at the University of Lincoln’s Great Central Warehouse Library will be on display together with material from the archives.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Andrew Kerry, will welcome the Lord Mayor of Cork, representatives from University College Cork and Cork City Council, and relatives of George Boole.

He said: “It’s so exciting to be part of the bicentenary celebrations of one of the world’s most renowned mathematicians.

“George Boole’s legacy surrounds us everywhere – all modern computing devices, including mobile phones and tablets, are essentially derived from the Boolean calculator.”

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “George Boole is rightly recognised as the forefather of the digital age and is cherished both in Lincoln, the city of his birth and early career, and in Cork, the city where he pursued his academic life and his final resting place.

“As we mark 200 years since Boole’s birth, it is a privilege to be part of the joint celebrations between two these great historic cities and seats of learning.”

Dr Michael Murphy, President of University College Cork said: “In Lincoln, Boole’s prodigious talent was nurtured and in Cork, at Queen’s College, he was given the opportunity, the time, the space and the environment to crystallise his thoughts that shaped our modern human experience.

“UCC is delighted to share with the University of Lincoln and the city councils of Lincoln and Cork pride in Boole’s achievements and our joint commitment to promulgating and celebrating his genius.”

Councillor Chris O’Leary, Lord Mayor of Cork said: “I met last week with members of the Boole Family when they visited Cork and called in to City Hall.

“I was delighted that the city was asked to accompany them in the coming days when they visit the birthplace of their great ancestor as Lincoln pays its tribute to George Boole as part of this very important year of commemoration.”

Ann Doherty, Chief Executive of Cork City Council said: “This trip is an integral part of Cork City’s tribute and I especially wish to thank the Chief Executive and Mayor of Lincoln for putting together such a respectful and meaningful itinerary of events.”

The Life and Legacy of George Boole exhibition is free to attend and will be open until Friday, September 11.