Alan Turing

1926

Alan begins at Sherborne School, doing a lot of science and mathematics. He is soon interested in Einstein's work.

Dorset, England

1928-1930

Young Turing becomes friends with Christopher Morcom. While applying to university Christopher passes away. Alan is shocked.

Dorset, England

1931-1934

Turing is an undergraduate at King's College, Cambridge. He is an outstanding student with enormous potential. Soon after he is elected as Fellow of King's College.

King's College, Cambridge

1938

A distinguished student, Turing travels to the US to study mathematics at Princeton University. He graduates with a PhD.

Princeton University

1939

Turing joins Bletchley Park on the second day of the second World War.

Bletchley, England

1939-1940

During this period Turing develops a machine to decipher the Enigma, the German communication code. With the plans of the Germans, England wins the war.

Bletchley Park

Over the next decade, Alan Turing wins numerous awards, writes papers, and gives talks. However, he is then convicted for being gay — a crime at the time. The government lets him decide whether he wants to undergo "organo-therapic treatment" (in other words, take "medicine" to mess with his hormones and "reverse" his homosexuality), or go to prison. He drinks their concoction in order to stay at home. Later, he publishes about it.

June 1954

Dies on June 7. Investigators found an apple near the body, laced with cyanide. Suspected suicide.

Wilmslow, England