Petition to save Bletchley Park
written by Craig, 8 June 2008
Bletchley Park is the spiritual home of modern computing. During World War II, it was known as Station X: the UK’s main code-breaking establishment. Most famously, it was the place where the ‘uncrackable’ German Enigma codes were deciphered and where Colossus was built; one of the earliest digital electronic computers.
The most famous inhabitant of Bletchley Park was Alan Turing who formalised the concept of stored computer programs (software), the algorithm, and the Turing test for artificial intelligence. Less well known was Tommy Flowers who led the Colussus project.
The ground-breaking work at Bletchley Park remained a Government secret until the early 1970’s. Most of the machines were destroyed, and the UK’s contribution to computing was subsequently overshadowed by developments in other countries.
It has recently become apparent that Bletchley Park has just two or three years of survival. It receives no external funding, has been deemed ineligible for National Lottery money, and was turned down by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
If you’re a UK citizen, you can sign a petition to save Bletchley Park at the 10 Downing Street website. It would be a travesty to British and World history to let the home of modern computing disappear forever.
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