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Child's orthopaedic boot, reputedly belonging to Lord Byron, 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.
Details
- Category:
- Orthopaedics
- Object Number:
- 1980-1119
- Measurements:
-
overall: 140 mm x 40 mm x 100 mm, .06kg
- type:
- orthopaedic boot
- credit:
- Sotheby's (New Bond St.)
