Alan Turing's Manchester

Alan Turing was a Mancunian who won the war, invented the computer, and was almost executed for being gay. This book explores his involvement in the world's first computer and his refusal to be cowed about his sexuality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Alan Turing, a renowned figure in the history of computing and a prominent member of the LGBTQ+ community, holds a special place in the city of Manchester. Born in London in 1912, Turing moved to Manchester in 1928 to study mathematics at the Victoria University of Manchester. During his time in Manchester, Turing made significant contributions to the field of computing, including the invention of the computer. However, his life was tragically cut short when he was convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to chemical castration, which led to his death in 1954. Turing's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, and it has inspired countless individuals around the world.

One of the most significant myths associated with Turing is his role in the war. During World War II, Turing worked at Bletchley Park, a top-secret facility in Buckinghamshire, England, where he and his colleagues cracked the German Enigma code, which was used to encrypt military communications. Turing's work was instrumental in the Allied victory in the war, and he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services. However, his homosexuality was a source of shame and discrimination, and he was subjected to chemical castration as a punishment.

Despite the challenges he faced, Turing remained a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist. He published several papers on the theory of computation, including the Turing machine, which is considered the foundation of modern computing. He also worked on the design of the ACE computer, which was the first commercially available computer. Turing's work was groundbreaking, and it paved the way for the development of modern computing technology.

However, Turing's life was not without its struggles. In 1952, he was arrested and charged with gross indecency. The charges were based on his relationship with a man named Arnold Murray, who was a former student of Turing's. Turing was convicted and sentenced to chemical castration, which was a painful and humiliating procedure. He died in 1954, at the age of 42.

Turing's legacy continues to inspire and influence the world. He is recognized as a hero of the LGBTQ+ community, and his work has been celebrated in numerous ways. In 2013, a statue of Turing was erected in Manchester's Albert Square, and in 2014, a film about his life was released. Turing's work has also been used to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Despite the challenges that Turing faced, Manchester can be proud of him. The city has a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism, and it has been a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ individuals for many years. Manchester's LGBTQ+ community has grown and flourished, and it has played a significant role in the city's cultural and social life.

However, Manchester can also be criticized for its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the past. The city has a history of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, and it has been slow to address these issues. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to address these issues, and Manchester has made significant progress in this area.

One of the most significant challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in Manchester is the lack of housing. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination when they try to rent or buy a home, and they are often forced to live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The city has been working to address this issue by providing affordable housing to LGBTQ+ individuals, and by working to reduce discrimination in the housing market.

Another challenge facing the LGBTQ+ community in Manchester is the lack of access to healthcare. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination when they try to access healthcare, and they are often denied coverage for their medical needs. The city has been working to address this issue by providing healthcare coverage to LGBTQ+ individuals, and by working to reduce discrimination in the healthcare system.

In addition to these challenges, the LGBTQ+ community in Manchester faces a number of other issues, including discrimination in the workplace, bullying, and harassment. The city has been working to address these issues by providing training to employers and by working to create a more inclusive workplace.

Despite these challenges, Manchester is a vibrant and diverse city that is home to a large and diverse LGBTQ+ community. The city has a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism, and it has been a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ individuals for many years. Manchester's LGBTQ+ community has played a significant role in the city's cultural and social life, and it has contributed to the city's economic growth.

In conclusion, Alan Turing is a patron saint of Manchester, remembered as the Mancunian who won the war, invented the computer, and was all but put to death for being gay. His story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, and it has inspired countless individuals around the world. Manchester can be proud of Turing, but it can also be criticized for its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the past. The city has made significant progress in addressing these issues, and it is a vibrant and diverse city that is home to a large and diverse LGBTQ+ community.

Dimension: 257 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750999946