Latest news with #AlanTuring
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
'We are the guardians of nearly 100,000 people'
A Bedford cemetery that is the resting place of 33 Scottish servicemen, the man who married the abdicated Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and a locally famous dog is "full of history", a trustee said. Special events to mark Foster Hill Road Cemetery's 170th anniversary are due to take place on Saturday and Sunday. Caroline Jones, part of a group that looks after the site, said: "We are extremely mindful we are the guardians of the resting place of nearly 100,000 people. "It gets into your blood and we're keen to share how wonderful it is." In June 1855, the town's first municipal cemetery opened in response to overcrowded churchyards in the town and concerns around public health. It is a closed cemetery, meaning there is no more space available for burials. It is now managed by the Friends of Foster Hill Road Cemetery, which has more than 20 active volunteers who repair and clean the headstones and record information. Trustee Adrian Bean, who regularly hosts walks around the site, admitted no-one "really famous" was buried in its grounds but "lots of very interesting people are". "It's the lesser-known people I find the most interesting," he added. Some of those buried include brewer Charles Wells, members of the Panacea Society which runs a local religious group and Danuta Gruszczynska-Alasinska - a member of the Polish Resistance who was captured and imprisoned in Germany in World War Two. The aunt and cousin of World War Two codebreaker Alan Turing have also been laid to rest at the site. Among the most poignant burials are the graves of 33 Highland Division men, who were billeted to the town in 1914 during World War One. The men did not die in action but from infectious diseases like measles, scarlet fever and diphtheria, Mr Bean said, as they were from a remote part of Scotland and had not built up immunity. Elsewhere, an unmarked grave shows the final resting place of Reverend Robert Anderson Jardine - the man who defied the orders of the church to marry the former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson in France in 1937, and was said to have ended up penniless. "He has no connection to Bedford - he just happened to be passing through and died," said Mr Bean. Meanwhile, the cemetery is also the resting place of a furry friend that made the cemetery its home for a decade. One grave is marked "In memory of C.D.", which stands for Cemetery Dog. Telling its story, Mr Bean said in the 1980s the cemetery was manned by grave diggers, groundsmen and admin staff before the new cemetery on Norse Road was opened. "One day a stray Jack Russell dog appeared, mainly at lunchtime. Staff fed him and he came back every day. "They tried to take him home, but he stayed - and one day they arrived and he was dead." He said at the time, in 1994, there was a big debate that appeared in the local newspapers regarding where he should be buried, "but they buried him here anyway". Describing the cemetery, Ms Jones added: "You can see the heritage of Bedford played out in front of you - from nurses, doctors, suffragettes, servicemen and women, and ordinary folk here. "We want everyone to be able to come here and see the history of the town, the wildlife and the landscape - it's well worth preserving for future generations." To mark the anniversary, a private event will take place on Saturday where a memorial will be unveiled for anyone buried on the site without a headstone. On Sunday, the chapel will be open from 13:30 BST, with two guided walks taking place to showcase the site's history. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. The cemetery that inspires authors and artists Graves of 'Bold and Brave' women honoured Bestselling author gives older women 'a voice' Foster Hill Road Cemetery
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Events mark Bedford cemetery that is 'full of history'
A Bedford cemetery that is the resting place of 33 Scottish servicemen, the man who married the abdicated Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and a locally famous dog is "full of history", a trustee events to mark Foster Hill Road Cemetery's 170th anniversary are due to take place on Saturday and Sunday. Caroline Jones, part of a group that looks after the site, said: "We are extremely mindful we are the guardians of the resting place of nearly 100,000 people."It gets into your blood and we're keen to share how wonderful it is." In June 1855, the town's first municipal cemetery opened in response to overcrowded churchyards in the town and concerns around public health. It is a closed cemetery, meaning there is no more space available for burials. It is now managed by the Friends of Foster Hill Road Cemetery, which has more than 20 active volunteers who repair and clean the headstones and record information. Trustee Adrian Bean, who regularly hosts walks around the site, admitted no-one "really famous" was buried in its grounds but "lots of very interesting people are". "It's the lesser-known people I find the most interesting," he added. Some of those buried include brewer Charles Wells, members of the Panacea Society which runs a local religious group and Danuta Gruszczynska-Alasinska - a member of the Polish Resistance who was captured and imprisoned in Germany in World War aunt and cousin of World War Two codebreaker Alan Turing have also been laid to rest at the the most poignant burials are the graves of 33 Highland Division men, who were billeted to the town in 1914 during World War One. The men did not die in action but from infectious diseases like measles, scarlet fever and diphtheria, Mr Bean said, as they were from a remote part of Scotland and had not built up immunity. Elsewhere, an unmarked grave shows the final resting place of Reverend Robert Anderson Jardine - the man who defied the orders of the church to marry the former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson in France in 1937, and was said to have ended up penniless. "He has no connection to Bedford - he just happened to be passing through and died," said Mr Bean. Meanwhile, the cemetery is also the resting place of a furry friend that made the cemetery its home for a grave is marked "In memory of C.D.", which stands for Cemetery Dog. Telling its story, Mr Bean said in the 1980s the cemetery was manned by grave diggers, groundsmen and admin staff before the new cemetery on Norse Road was opened."One day a stray Jack Russell dog appeared, mainly at lunchtime. Staff fed him and he came back every day. "They tried to take him home, but he stayed - and one day they arrived and he was dead." He said at the time, in 1994, there was a big debate that appeared in the local newspapers regarding where he should be buried, "but they buried him here anyway". Describing the cemetery, Ms Jones added: "You can see the heritage of Bedford played out in front of you - from nurses, doctors, suffragettes, servicemen and women, and ordinary folk here."We want everyone to be able to come here and see the history of the town, the wildlife and the landscape - it's well worth preserving for future generations." To mark the anniversary, a private event will take place on Saturday where a memorial will be unveiled for anyone buried on the site without a headstone. On Sunday, the chapel will be open from 13:30 BST, with two guided walks taking place to showcase the site's history. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alan Turing papers found in loft set to fetch £150K after nearly being shredded
Scientific papers by codebreaking war hero Alan Turing which were discovered in a loft are expected to fetch £150,000 at auction - after almost being shredded. The incredible archive was found gathering dust in an attic in Bermondsey, London, after its owner moved into a care home and her daughters began clearing out her loft. Among the documents which were nearly destroyed was a personal copy of the mathematical genius' PHD dissertation from 1938-39 and his first published paper from 1935. The papers, known as "offprints", had originally been gifted by Turing's mother, Ethel to her son's friend and fellow mathematician Norman Routledge. They were produced in very small numbers and distributed within academia, making them "incredibly scarce" survivors that rarely ever appear on the market. The documents were nearly destroyed. (Image: SWNS) The collection is now expected to sell for between £100,000-£150,000 when it goes under the hammer at Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffs, on June 17. Turing was one of the famous codebreakers at Bletchley Park who played a vital role in cracking the Enigma code, which led to Allied victory in World War Two. Despite helping to shorten the war by an estimated four years, on March 31 1952, he was prosecuted for homosexual acts and died from cyanide poisoning on June 7, 1954, aged 41. Shortly before pleading guilty, Turing sent a poignant letter to Norman Routledge, the original owner of the papers being sold. The letter, known as 'Yours in distress', was read by Routledge when he appeared in "The Strange Life and Death of Dr Turing" on the BBC's Horizon in 1992. It has also since been read by Benedict Cumberbatch after it was presented by Routledge to King's College, Cambridge, where it now resides in The Turing Archive. The collection is expected to make £150k. (Image: SWNS) But he kept the collection of Turing's offprints, which were eventually rescued by his nieces and nephews. One of the nieces explained: 'Following his retirement from Eton College, Norman bought and lived in a house in Bermondsey. "When he died in 2013, two of his sisters had the unenviable task of sorting through and emptying the contents. "There were lots of personal papers which one sister carted away and stored in her loft. The papers lay dormant until she moved into a care home almost a decade later. "Her daughters came across the papers and considered shredding everything. "Fortunately, they checked with Norman's nieces and nephews because he'd always been a presence in our lives. The papers were saved by Turing's friend, Norman. (Image: SWNS) Adding: "One cousin felt the Turing and Forster papers might be of interest to collectors. "After taking them home for a closer look, she decided to attend a local valuation day hosted by Hansons Auctioneers, who consigned them for research with their specialist saleroom, Rare Book Auctions. "We were bowled over by the valuations and level of enthusiasm.' The collection includes his PhD dissertation from 1938-39, Systems of Logic Based on Ordinals, which is signed by Turing, having been his personal copy. This document alone has been valued by the auction house at £40,000 to £60,000 as has his 1936-37 paper entitled On Computable Numbers. The paper introduced the world to the idea of a 'universal computing machine', which, despite the model's simplicity, is capable of implementing any computer algorithm, and has been described as the first programming manual of the computer age. The papers have been checked by experts. (Image: SWNS) Jim Spencer, director of Rare Book Auctions, who is more famed for finding Harry Potter first editions, described the collection as "the most important archive I've ever handled.' He said the exchange of offprints had historically been a method of correspondence between scholars and is prized by collectors as representing the first separate edition of an important work. He added: 'Nothing could've prepared me for what I was about to find in that carrier bag. "These seemingly plain papers-perfectly preserved in the muted colours of their unadorned, academic wrappers - represent the foundations of computer science and modern digital computing. "Literature has always been my forte, not mathematics, so the past few months of intensively researching and cataloguing these papers has left me feeling that Alan Turing was superhuman. The collection includes letters. (Image: SWNS) "For me, it's like studying the language of another planet, something composed by an ultra-intelligent civilisation." The collection also includes The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis, which dates from 1952, and is Turing's lesser-known masterpiece of mathematical biology. It has since become a basic model in theoretical biology, describing what have come to be known as 'Turing patterns'. Mr Spencer said: 'As recently as 2023, a study confirmed Turing's mathematical model hypothesis as outlined in The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis. "In this way the papers are still alive. They're still relevant and groundbreaking. 'We even have Turing's first published paper from 1935 – Equivalence of Left and Right Almost Periodicity – which is simply a single sheet of paper. The collection is set to get interest from around the world. (Image: SWNS) "And the provenance couldn't be better. The archive was gifted to Turing's friend and fellow mathematician Norman Arthur Routledge (1928-2013) by Turing's mother Ethel - and we have her handwritten letter explaining this." In the letter, dated May 16, 1956, Ethel Turing says: 'I have to-day sent by registered post 13 of Alan's off-prints...I don't know what people in Cambridge thought of the manner of Alan's death. "I am convinced it was accidental as the experiment of coke under electrolysis – which smelt of cyanide had been going on for weeks – I feel sure he got some of this on his fingers & so on to the apple he customarily ate in bed...I have had some requests to write a biography of Alan...I have masses of material because from the time he was about 6 I spotted a winner – despite many detractors at school – and kept many papers about him.' Mr Spencer added: "This fascinating letter is a golden thread that neatly ties up and seals the authenticity of everything being offered. "The potential value compels us to offer the papers individually. The price is unknown and could run to any amount. Recommended Reading London company allowed to keep name as lawsuit dropped Beckenham woman befriends stray dog in Bali to bring home London chimney sweeper shares what the job is really like 'Anything with a direct connection to Turing is highly desirable and almost impossible to find. "These papers were owned by his close friend Norman, having been gifted to him by Turing's mother. That's what makes this collection so significant. 'Hardly anything like this appears on the open market, so predicting hammer prices is fortune-telling." Adding: "I suspect interest will be strong in Silicon Valley – where Turing's influence shines brightly – but it would be lovely to see material acquired by institutions who could share things with the public."
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Madonna and RuPaul among most influential LGBTQ+ figures shaping pop culture
As we celebrate Pride Month this June, we look back at some of the most important and inspiring LGBTQ+ icons throughout history - from Alan Turing and Freddie Mercury to Madonna and RuPaul Throughout history, LGBTQ+ trailblazers have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of society and championing change – be it on stage, at protests, or tirelessly working behind the scenes. This Pride Month, we're shining the spotlight on some of history's most remarkable LGBTQ+ figures who dared to be different and challenge the status quo. Alan Turing Renowned mathematician Alan Turing made history by cracking the Enigma code – an extraordinary feat that significantly shortened World War II and aided the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. Tragically, his heroic wartime efforts were overshadowed by Britain's strict anti-gay laws. In 1952, Turing faced arrest and conviction for his homosexuality, resulting in his untimely death at 41, believed to be by his own hand. Turing's legacy endured, with a posthumous Royal pardon granted in 2013 and an extension of this pardon to thousands of men wrongly convicted under similar laws in 2017, a tribute now referred to as the "Alan Turing law." His iconic image now adorns the £50 banknote. Marsha P. Johnson Drag performer and passionate African American activist Marsha P. Johnson left an indelible mark on the fight for trans rights and LGBT+ equality in the 1960s and 1970s. She fearlessly stood up against the authorities during the infamous Stonewall Inn raid in New York City in 1969, sparking the pivotal Stonewall Uprising that dramatically shifted the LGBT+ rights landscape. Johnson importantly co-founded activist groups, transforming into a key emblem of rebellion and representation for the trans and queer communities, with a particular resonance among people of colour. Freddie Mercury Acclaimed as Queen 's charismatic frontman, Freddie Mercury reigns among rock music's elite vocalists, captivating audiences with his dynamic stage presence and extensive four-octave range. Yet, despite his exuberant stage identity, Mercury kept details of his sexuality away from public discourse. Commencing in 1985, he settled into a profound partnership with Irish-born hairdresser Jim Hutton, who he fondly termed his husband. For Mercury, their bond was a sanctuary of comfort and comprehension, claiming he "honestly couldn't ask for better". From 1982, Mercury began to show signs of HIV/AIDS, which led to a confirmed AIDS diagnosis five years later. Mercury maintained the privacy of his illness until a statement issued on November 23, 1991, shed light on his health situation. Just one night later, on November 24, Mercury succumbed to AIDS at 45, in his Kensington home. Hutton, sharing Mercury's life in his final seven years, offered unwavering care through the affliction and stood by him as his life ebbed away. As of 2024, recognition of Mercury's enduring influence saw him crowned the UK's preeminent gay icon, according to a Durex survey. David Bowie David Bowie secured his status as a gay idol with the daring creation of Ziggy Stardust – an enigmatic, sexually fluid extra-terrestrial rock sensation unveiled in 1972. David Bowie, who was much more than just a musician, dared to defy the norms of his era by publicly embracing androgyny and championing queer visibility. His bold declaration in 1972, "I'm gay, and I always have been," coincided with the momentous first Gay Pride march in Britain. Later, speaking candidly to Playboy, he revealed his bisexuality and mused on its effects on his success: "I've used that fact very well. I suppose it's the best thing that ever happened to me." Even though he eventually described himself as a "closet heterosexual," Bowie's earlier stance on sexuality and his performative ambiguity had an indelible effect on culture. Memorable moments like his flamboyant turn on Top of the Pops alongside Mick Ronson served as a beacon of expression for queer youths everywhere. Bowie passed away at 69 following an 18-month battle with cancer, yet irrespective of how he identified, his legacy is one of unbridled authenticity that inspired others to embrace their identities with courage. Elton John Sir Elton John solidified his superstar status not only through his music — with over 300 million records sold worldwide — but also as a vanguard for LGBTQ+ representation. He initially disclosed his bisexuality in a 1976 issue of Rolling Stone, then openly declared himself gay in 1992. Since 1993, John has shared his life with David Furnish; they became civil partners in 2005, shortly after the UK sanctioned such unions, and converted this to marriage in 2014 when the nation recognised same-sex marriages. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, brought into their lives through surrogacy. In 2019, he was bestowed with the highest civilian honour in France, the Legion d'honneur, by President Emmanuel Macron himself, honoured as one of the earliest openly gay artists to champion LGBTQ+ rights. Madonna Madonna has been a vocal and unyielding supporter of the LGBTQ+ community over the years. Renowned for her sexual liberation and non-conformity, she's been romantically linked to various women, including model Jenny Shimizu. While she's never publicly acknowledged these affairs, she has admitted she's "slept with a good handful" of women and proclaimed in a 1991 interview with The Advocate that "everybody has a bisexual nature." Throughout her illustrious career, Madonna has continually dedicated performances and heartfelt tributes to the LGBTQ+ community, turning up unexpectedly at places like New York's Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan - notable as the cradle of the modern gay rights movement. In 2018, she made an impassioned declaration: "I stand here proudly at the place where Pride began. Let us never forget the Stonewall riots." RuPaul RuPaul Charles, acclaimed host of RuPaul's Drag Race, stands as the undisputed "Queen of Drag" heralded for pioneering queer representation in entertainment. Since the debut of Drag Race UK in 2019, RuPaul's standing in Britain has escalated, propelling a fresh cohort of drag queens into the limelight, with luminaries such as The Vivienne, Tia Kofi, and Baga Chipz stealing the show. Beyond his role as an entertainer, RuPaul has been a vocal advocate for voter registration, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community – a group that has historically seen lower turnout. He championed participation through a public service announcement tied to National Voter Registration Day, encouraging queer individuals to make their voices heard at the polling station. As the first drag artist to host a national chat show, RuPaul has blazed a trail for increased LGBTQ+ representation in the media. He continues to utilise his platform to highlight emerging talent and tackle crucial issues such as gender equality and racial justice. In acknowledgement of his influence, he was honoured with the Vito Russo Award at the GLAAD Media Awards in 1999.
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
War film based on real life but fans all have the same complaint
The 2001 war film, which has a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is set during World War II and is about British codebreakers who try to crack the Nazi Enigma code Enigma, the British-American war thriller from 2001, has garnered a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite leaving fans puzzled over a significant issue. Set during World War II, the film features high-tension drama focusing on the efforts of codebreakers at Bletchley Park trying to decipher Nazi Germany's formidable Enigma code. The movie, directed by Michael Apted and based on Robert Harris's acclaimed novel with an adaptation penned by Tom Stoppard, has been praised for its gripping portrayal of historical events. Even though the historical aspects have won it popularity, audience opinions remain divided as evidenced by mixed responses. On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer scathingly wrote: "Serious contender for worst film of all time. The acting is terrible, I mean really terrible, it is difficult to even work out what the story is supposed to be about, it is nothing to do with enigma in any real sense at all." Conversely, another said: "The slow pace of the film was fine at the beginning while it introduced the period setting. However, that soon made it dull. Most of the main characters were uninteresting. Overall a very disappointing film.", reports the Express. Despite boasting big names like Dougray Scott, Kate Winslet, Jeremy Northam, and Saffron Burrows who bring together a blend of spy drama and romance, Enigma's appeal is somewhat tarnished. Behind its clever narrative and wartime suspense, the film faces criticism over one major stumbling block - its commitment to historical veracity, particularly concerning the pivotal role of Alan Turing. Critics have earmarked Enigma for downplaying the essential input of Alan Turing, the bona fide mastermind whose work at Bletchley Park was paramount. Turing's crucial contribution in deciphering the Enigma code is ignored, as well as his seminal work in the early stages of computing. The film instead focuses on a fictional protagonist, Jericho, which has prompted many viewers to debate its fidelity to historical accuracy. A viewer said: "I loved the story even though it didn't give any credit to the TRUE genius who actually broke the Modern Turing, and his Polish predecessors in the 1920's who originally broke the code way back gobbles facts and regurgitates them as truths." Enigma is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.
