I visited Bletchley Park yesterday, which is still not as well known as it should be. It’s because of Bletchley Park that WWII was shortened by at least two years…it’s because of Bletchley Park that we know Alan Turing was a genius…it’s because of Bletchley Park that we have the modern day computer…
The mansion & huts that comprised the secret intelligence and cypher codebreaking sections of the government and the military during war time have been well preserved. They’re enhanced with numerous exhibits and installations, retelling the fascinating tale of how the government gathered mathematicians, cryptologists, and intelligence operatives to work on solving the mystery of German cyphers.
The story of Alan Turing, the Enigma, and Station X — it all deserves far more exposure than it gets, so if you do get to England, follow in my footsteps and pay this wonderful place a visit. Here are some pictures from my visit, including one of an actual German Enigma cypher machine:
I also paid a visit to the Salcey Forest. It was a pleasant walk through an ancient woodland, but it was enchanced by a spectacular walk along a slowly-rising treetop boardwalk…which went up a long, long way. I half-expected Ewoks to ambush me on the way up! Here’s a snap, looking down at one of the raised walkways:
A pleasant, relaxing, interesting Saturday, that concluded with a mouth-watering Fish & Chips dinner. Today will be another relaxing, laid back day — it’ll be necessary to build up my strength for a full day in Cambridge tomorrow. I’m told it’s busy beyond all reason, but I look forward to a tour of one of the great seats of English thought and education…and I’ll try to get a few more suitable pictures.
