From the (photo) archives — a day trip to Bletchley Park in the springtime. But keep that intelligence MOST SECRET! (If you don’t know anything about Bletchley Park already, read up.)
One can play with virtual enigma machines. 158 million million million combinations, how will you do?
Many of the heroes of Bletchley Park remain unnamed and unsung. Nice to see this memorial.
It’s fun to imagine the strange atmosphere the campus might have had during WWII. Like a super weird summer camp for cryptologists.
Or a super-elegant stenographer pool.
A loving restoration.
Cups and saucers, pencils and papers, purses and spectacles, all are set out on desks to give the impression of sudden emptiness — like everyone just walked out for a moment, and will return just as you turn around.
The ballroom, which was used for parties, or for quiet reading, or for movies.
It’s funny because it’s true.
Turing has a memorable statue commemorating his life and work. In the background, his teddy bear is preserved.
A look into one of the ‘huts’ — where the action happened.
Picturesque vintage bicycles. The whole place has a Day After feel. Evocative.
Inside the hut, the effort continues to make these spaces live with the sounds and sights of men and women working to solve puzzles and save lives in WWII.
Old school!
I have complicated and not-well-enough educated thoughts about the many women who worked at Bletchley Park. We visited just after I had read “Life After Life” and “Code Name Verity” — both full of history and ideas which colored the way I viewed these spaces. Watching the series The Bletchley Circle after our visit added yet another dimension to the experience.
Oh, dear, that looks complicated. Here are the guts of a working Bombe — read more about it.
The Polish Memorial.
The gift shop has the expected mugs, tea towels, and books — and puzzles.
Worth a day out? Definitely, but only if you’ve read something about it before hand. There are interpretive signs and an audio guide which does a pretty good job, and some fun hands-on interpretive exhibits for the kids (and the kids-at-heart). As we’ve found in many spots, a day ticket can be converted to a 12-month pass for no additional fee. There’s a minimalist cafe on site with cakes and coffee or tea, a good bit of walking through all the buildings, and an outdoor play space for kids – plan to spend several hours here.
Crumpets in Camelot 