Lord Byron’s orthopaedic boot, England, 1781-1810
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.
Object number:
1980-1119
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: orthopaedics
The branch of medicine concerned with the preservation and restoration of the muscular and skeletal systems in the body.
Glossary: orthopaedic boot
Type of footwear for the easing or correction of club foot or other deformities of the feet.