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Follow on Google News | Poet Laureate Simon Armitage leads calls to rescue Byron statue at bicentenary of poet's deathBy: The Byron Society George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron (22 January 1788–19 April 1824) is regarded as one of the greatest English poets and writers in English. In a film promoting the fundraising appeal posted on the Byron Society's website, Simon Armitage, the UK Poet Laureate, commented: "It's been a thrill in this anniversary year to be reacquainted with Byron's work; so passionate, inventive, mischievous, modern. I often think he is celebrated more in Italy and Greece than he is in this country. So let's get him back in his rightful place. No more directing traffic on a London roundabout. Let's get him in the park, out in the open, where he can be remembered and respected as a great poet of this world." In his own time, Byron was an advocate for social reform and championed in particular the cause for national liberation, offering his money, time and energy to those fighting in Ravenna for the freedom of Italy. 19 April 2024 marks the bicentenary of Byron's death in Missolonghi, Western Greece, where he succumbed to fever at the age of thirty-six while supporting the Greeks in their struggle for independence from the Ottoman Turks. Also supporting the appeal, the writer and historian Tom Holland said: "It's terrible that Lord Byron of all men should be imprisoned on a traffic island. This is the man who died a martyr to Greek liberty, he served as an inspiration to generations of writers, and painters and freedom fighters. So, let's set Byron free!" The wreath-laying ceremony is part of the Byron Society's bicentenary activities and all are welcome to attend. The project has so far gained the support of the Heritage of London Trust (https://www.heritageoflondon.org/ End
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