First Day in Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature: Honouring the Philhellene Lord Byron

The national delegation of the Ministry of Culture of Greece Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού arrived in Nottingham, the UNESCO City of Literature, to honour the great Philhellene Lord Byron, marking the celebratory conclusion of the bicentennial year of his death. Throughout their stay, events and activities dedicated to this iconic poet are planned.

The day began with a warm welcome from the Deputy Mayor of Nottingham, Mr. Pavlos Kotsonis, who accompanied us on a picturesque tour of the city. During the journey, we had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Nottingham’s historical and literary character, culminating in our arrival at the Central Library of Nottingham.

At the Central Library, we visited the exhibition “Byron’s Final Journey: From Greece to Hucknall”, which poignantly reveals the final days of Lord Byron in Greece. Through artifacts and narratives, we learned about the events surrounding his death in 1824 in Missolonghi, the long journey of his remains back to England, and his burial at St. Mary’s Church in Hucknall.

The exhibition transported us back to Lord Byron’s era, showcasing his profound connection to Greece and his timeless legacy as a poet and Philhellene. This experience was the highlight of our first day in Nottingham, a day dedicated to the work and spirit of this extraordinary man, who continues to bridge Greece and the United Kingdom through history and the arts.

Greece in UKNottingham City of LiteratureCyprus in UK – CultureΒυρωνική Εταιρεία Ιεράς Πόλεως Μεσολογγίου