Alan Turing

FromFootnoting History

Start listening View podcast show

Alan Turing

FromFootnoting History

ratings:

Length:

25 minutes

Released:

Aug 23, 2014

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

(Kirsti) Alan Turing has been called a lay saint, and he surely was one of the greatest minds of the Greatest Generation. His work at Bletchley Park was vital to Allied success in World War II. Why, then, did he end his life under house arrest? And did *he* end it? Mysteries abound in this week's podcast!

Released:

Aug 23, 2014

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Footnoting History is a bi-weekly podcast series dedicated to overlooked, popularly unknown, and exciting stories plucked from the footnotes of history. For further reading suggestions, information about our hosts, our complete episode archive, and more visit us at FootnotingHistory.com!

Skip carousel

Zombies in Thietmar of Merseburg: (Lucy) Why did commoners and kings in eleventh-century Germany keep seeing dead people? Why did a bunch of animated corpses decide to burn a priest alive? And why did a busy bishop write all this down? by Footnoting History
9 min listen
Lepers and Leprosy in the 13th Century: (Lucy) Reactions to medieval lepers were often extreme. Medieval romance-writers depict them as not only disease-ridden but filthy, and morally suspect to boot. Saints, on the other hand, ran around kissing them. More ordinary people just asked lepers to by Footnoting History
12 min listen
Occupy Alcatraz: Protesting Native American Autonomy: (Lesley) As an imposing fortress, Alcatraz island isolated inmates and imprisoned the most dangerous criminals like mob boss Al Capone. Yet after its closure in 1963, Alcatraz became the scene of occupying Freedom as Native Americans tried to take back la by Footnoting History
11 min listen
Special Edition: Olaudah Equiano: (Nathan and Elizabeth) Join us for a discussion of one of the most well-known narratives of slavery used by the British Abolitionist cause in the 18th century. We examine what it reveals about identity and race in the time period but also tackle the issue by Footnoting History
18 min listen
Cruel Mind and Deadly Malice: A Murder in Early Modern England: (Lesley) Imagine hiring a man to kill off your enemy... and then pleading a defense that would allow you to walk out free. This week, we'll trace the story of a neighborly feud in Tudor England that left one man dead and an unbalanced man free, if not for by Footnoting History
10 min listen
Heresy and You: Alice Rowley and Lollardy: (Kirsti) Some people just get all the luck. Others, like poor Alice Rowley of Coventry, just can’t seem to catch a break. Join us as we explore Alice’s dedication to the Lollard community and what that meant for her in court! by Footnoting History
14 min listen
Henry II and the Invasion of Ireland: (Christine) The English and the Irish have been fighting (and singing) about hating one another) for as long as both sides can remember, but what brought the English to Ireland in the first place? What did the English king, Henry II, have to do with it? A by Footnoting History
10 min listen
The Mau Mau Insurgency: (Samantha) In June 2013 the British government agreed to pay approximately £20 million in reparations to individuals tortured during the Mau Mau emergency in Kenya in the 1950s. But who were the Mau Mau? What was the emergency? And why do the British feel by Footnoting History
16 min listen
Viking Invasions and St. Edmund's Talking Head: (Nicole) In 870 A.D.,  Edmund, the king of East Anglia, was killed by a Viking army. Discover how this event was transformed from a battle between two armies into the story of a Christian martyrdom. by Footnoting History
9 min listen
Drinking in Medieval England: (Samantha) Do you like to drink? Well, so did people in the Middle Ages.  Tune in to learn about what people were drinking and about the culture associated with booze 700 years ago. by Footnoting History
15 min listen
Running in the Ancient Olympic Games: (Esther) How did the Greeks monitor foot races during the ancient Olympic games without technologies such as Timex watches and slow-motion cameras? They certainly weren't worried about doping, but there were other ways runners could gain unfair advan by Footnoting History
12 min listen
Getting Skinny: A Brief History of Dieting: (Samantha) From WeightWatchers to the Atkins Diet to the Lemon Detox, Americans are obsessed with using diet to control our weight. But we’re not the first ones to be concerned with our body mass, to experiment with dieting, and to come up with some reall by Footnoting History
14 min listen
Prehistoric Runners and the 'Fall' of the Neanderthals: (Esther) Did you know that our homo sapien ancestors were altogether skinnier, weaker and dumber than our fellow hominid relatives, the Neanderthals? Some scientists theorize that it was running that saved us from extinction. by Footnoting History
14 min listen
The French Revolution Countdown (Part I): (Nathan and Christine) From Marie Antoinette's fake peasant village to Robespierre's botched suicide, the French Revolution is full of fascinating stories that are often omitted from textbooks. Join Nathan and Christine for Part I of a two-part count by Footnoting History
27 min listen
Science, Plague, and Pericles: Reconstructing the Face of Myrtis: (Kirsti) In 430 BCE, a plague swept through ancient Athens, killing thousands. It eventually claimed even the great Pericles. But what was it? In 1994, a group of historians and scientists banded together to find out, starting with the skull of one little by Footnoting History
9 min listen
Reformation Propaganda: (Nicole)  Most people think of modern campaigns, such as propaganda posters during World War I, when they hear the word 'propaganda'. But did you know that during the Reformation Protestants and Catholics alike used images in their own propaganda cam by Footnoting History
9 min listen
The Several Defenestrations of Prague: (Kirsti) The people of Prague have a unique approach to the resolution of religious and political arguments: throwing the opposition out of windows! Listen as we explore this odd tradition throughout history, starting in 1419 and continuing to 1948. by Footnoting History
11 min listen
Hernán Cortés and the Conquest of Mexico: (John) How did Hernán Cortés and his “300” soldiers topple the Aztecs? What motivated these conquistadores, and what legal justifications did they use to legitimize this conquest? Find the answer to these questions and more as we explore the clashing by Footnoting History
8 min listen
Why Simon de Montfort is in the U.S. House of Representatives: (Christine) His father was a major player in the Albigensian crusade but when was the last time you heard about the man who led a rebellion against King Henry III and became the father of the modern parliament? It's time to fix that. by Footnoting History
13 min listen
Napoleon, Part I: The Man: (Nathan and Christine) It's Bastille Day weekend so we make a return to France for today's topic.  In the third installment of our Revolutionary France series, we'll talk about the scandals, intrigues, and tragedies of Napoleon and his inner circle. by Footnoting History
44 min listen
Tulipmania!: (Nathan) In the 1630s, the tiny-but-wealthy Netherlands were gripped by a frenzy of public trading in tulip bulbs.  At the height of the craze, a single bulb could sell for a small fortune.  What caused this "tulip mania" and how did it all come by Footnoting History
17 min listen
The French Revolution Countdown (Part II): (Nathan and Christine) Picking up where they left off at the end of Part I, Nathan and Christine tackle actors' rights and changing fashions while wondering if anyone truly understood the Republican Calendar. Join them as they conclude the countdown of th by Footnoting History
32 min listen
Cheating on Jesus: Bigamy in the Medieval Catholic Priesthood: (Christine) How could a priest in medieval England, who was single at the time of his ordination, be guilty of bigamy? Can a person actually cheat on Jesus? Join us today as we discuss the ins and outs of this curious clause of canon law and how it brough by Footnoting History
12 min listen
Goethe's Werther and the Suicide Effect: (Elizabeth) Forget Nirvana or James Dean! Back in the 19th century, every angsty teen had one idol: Werther--and they would do anything to be like him ... anything. by Footnoting History
7 min listen
Mozart's Zombie, the Runaway Priest, and the Emperor's Opera: (Lucy) In Don Giovanni, Wolfgang Amadeus and Lorenzo da Ponte created opera's most famous antihero. Find out how Mozart and Da Ponte were influenced by the philosophical ideas and social concerns of their day in forging a tale of class conflict and l by Footnoting History
16 min listen
Special Edition: Royal Baby Names: (Elizabeth and Christine) The Kingdom of Great Britain is celebrating today because the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have welcomed their first child, a son! In this special edition of Footnoting History, we discuss the history of royal baby names in by Footnoting History
20 min listen
Edward Gibbon Wakefield, Part II: Australia and New Zealand: (Christine and Elizabeth) In Part II of the life of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, we follow him as he leaves prison, picks up his pen, and chases a new goal: revolutionizing British systems of colonization. Did people listen to a convicted felon? Were his drea by Footnoting History
32 min listen
Queer Women in the Golden Age of Mysteries: (Lucy and Elizabeth) From the early to mid-twentieth century, queens of crime Sayers, Christie, Marsh, and Wentworth reigned supreme over British detective fiction. Their works not only reveal whodunit but give insight into how queer women lived in and we by Footnoting History
24 min listen
The Strategic Failure of the Habsburg Chin: (Kirsti) What’s the best approach to consolidating power and land within your family? The ambitious Habsburgs achieved greatness through marrying close relations—surely a sound policy that could have no consequences at all! This week we’ll talk about love by Footnoting History
11 min listen
Entertainment in Medieval Towns: (Christine) Whether they got a day off from working at their trade or had so much money they could pay people to entertain them, everyone within the town walls wanted to have a little fun. Listen today to find out what occupants of medieval European towns by Footnoting History
12 min listen

More Episodes from Footnoting History

Skip carousel

Owney: Star Pup of the US Railway Mail Service: (Host: Christine) In the late 1800s, a dog called Owney became a star as he won over the hearts of postal workers across the United States and sometimes, even, beyond. This episode is all about Owney, his adventures, the souvenirs he collected, and h... by Footnoting History
17 min listen
Medieval Coroners: (Host: Samantha) If you've watched any significant number of crime dramas you've almost certainly come across a coroner who was probably presented as an experienced medical examiner who, if the hero is lucky, has unearthed a key piece of evidence to ... by Footnoting History
12 min listen
Dressing Marie Antoinette: (Host: Kristin) Clothes and hair are among the most famous things about Marie Antoinette. But who were the designers behind the drama and what happened to them after the Revolution? And how did anyone actually wear – or afford – their creations? Fin... by Footnoting History
27 min listen
Tadeusz Kościuszko, Part II: Life and Legend: (Host: Lucy) How much is it impossible to know about an icon? This episode investigates Tadeusz Kościuszko’s place in historical memory. From the early 19th century onwards, myths coalesced around him and his role in the Polish struggle for independe... by Footnoting History
20 min listen
Tadeusz Kościuszko, Part I: International Icon, Revolutionary Hero: (Host: Lucy) Tadeusz Kościuszko was a leader in the Age of Revolutions, lending strategic expertise to the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and trying on no fewer than three occasions to secure lasting independence for his native Pola... by Footnoting History
24 min listen
Harry Washington: (Host: Josh) When someone says "Washington" and "revolution" in the same sentence, George immediately comes to mind. But there's another Washington that we should know, one that George Washington enslaved. Harry Washington escaped from his enslavemen... by Footnoting History
23 min listen
Murder and the Mignonette: (Host: Christine) In 1884, a yacht called Mignonette left England for Australia but never reached its destination. After it was lost, those aboard were adrift at sea for weeks, resorting to desperate measures for survival. Here, Christine covers the... by Footnoting History
28 min listen
History for the Holidays III: (Hosts: Christine, Kristin, Josh) A tradition continues! Celebrate with us through this episode about the history surrounding a selection of end-of-the-year holidays. by Footnoting History
21 min listen
The Many Adventures of Pope Innocent III: (Christine and Josh) One of the most powerful popes of the Middle Ages, Innocent III made sure to have his hand in everything from religious wars like the Crusades to political squabbles with kings. Here, Josh and Christine take a look at some of the... by Footnoting History
34 min listen
Kościuszko Squadron: (Host: Lucy) What ties together a Revolutionary War hero, a Hollywood film director, and twentieth-century Poland’s quest for political independence? The Kościuszko Squadron was an international flying squad, whose airmen included former prisoners o... by Footnoting History
17 min listen
History for Halloween X: (Hosts: Christine, Kristin, Lucy) It's hard to believe but here we are celebrating a decade of creepy stories from history for our favorite scary holiday! by Footnoting History
22 min listen
The Witchcraft Trial of Alice Kyteler: (Kristin) In 1324, a woman named Alice Kyteler was accused of witchcraft in Kilkenny, Ireland. Her story is mysterious and fascinating and considered a landmark case in the history of European witch trials. Find out what happened – or didn’t – this ... by Footnoting History
27 min listen
Leo Frank and the Murder of Mary Phagan: (Christine) In 1913, Leo Frank was arrested for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in Atlanta, Georgia. Two years later, he, too, was dead. In this episode, Christine explores the complicated case and its perhaps unexpected musical theatre legacy. by Footnoting History
27 min listen
The Cold Truth: A History of Refrigeration: (Kristin) Ever stopped to think about how amazing it is that you have this box, in your home, that keeps food cold? Reliable, at-home refrigeration is pretty new to history – and utterly transformative of how we live. Learn about how this technology ... by Footnoting History
24 min listen
Titus Oates, a Popish Plot, and the Mysterious Murder of Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey: (Samantha) In the summer of 1678 a defrocked preacher named Titus Oates claimed to have knowledge of a Catholic plot to kill King Charles II and to replace him with his crypto-Catholic brother. At first the story gained no traction, reported as it wa... by Footnoting History
20 min listen
A Royal Son: Geoffrey, duke of Brittany: (Host: Christine) Of the four sons of King Henry II of England and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine who lived to adulthood, only one was never called king. In this episode we look at the life of Geoffrey, duke of Brittany, including why he has a reputation... by Footnoting History
22 min listen
True Crime on Stage in Shakespeare’s England: (Lucy and Rachel) In the often-chaotic society of sixteenth-century England, many people enthusiastically consumed true crime narratives in songs, news, and theater plays. Then as now, true crime narratives often centered on community crime-solving a... by Footnoting History
18 min listen
Wyatt Earp and a Heavyweight Fix: (Josh) In 1896, retired from his life in the so-called "Wild West," Wyatt Earp was asked to referee a boxing match. But not just any boxing match - a bout that would determine the new heavyweight champion. Two legendary boxers, Bob Fitzsimmons and To... by Footnoting History
25 min listen
William Mumler and Spirit Photography in the 19th century: (Kristin) The 19th-century was on the cutting edge of some new technology and a new religious movement, and they intersected in some interesting – and surprising – ways. Find out how spirit photography became A Thing and how William Mumler “captured”... by Footnoting History
29 min listen
Marlene Dietrich’s Scandalous Trousers: (Lucy) Defying Nazis and gender norms, Marlene Dietrich was far more than an Oscar-nominated actress… though she was that too. From Weimar Berlin’s cabaret scene to golden-age Hollywood and beyond, Dietrich carved a distinctive path for herself, and ... by Footnoting History
27 min listen
SPECIAL EDITION: The Stone of Destiny and the Crowning of Kings: (Samantha) During his coronation ceremony Charles III will sit on a chair built by Edward I over 725 years ago to house the Stone of Destiny (also called the Stone of Scone), that he had recently stolen from the Scots. Tune in today to learn more abo... by Footnoting History
15 min listen
The Public Arch: (Josh) While one of the safest cities in the United States today, El Paso, Texas was one of America's most dangerous cities in the 1880s. Run by gunslingers, gambling brokers, and brothel madams, the city often descended into significant bouts of vio... by Footnoting History
24 min listen
The Newsies Strike of 1899: (Christine) In the summer of 1899, young New York newspaper sellers took a stand against publishing magnates Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. In this episode, Christine looks at the causes, events, and outcome of the strike, as well as ho... by Footnoting History
23 min listen
The Weeks Murder Trial: (Kristin) In 1800, Levi Weeks was accused of the murder of Elma Sands in New York City and throwing her body down a well. His defense team included Henry Livingston, Aaron Burr, and Alexander Hamilton. His is the first murder trial in the United Stat... by Footnoting History
27 min listen
Margaret Eaton and the Petticoat Affair: (Christine) In January of 1829, a widow named Margaret O'Neale Timberlake married John Eaton, a United States Senator with his star on the rise. Inspired by the suggestion of a Footnoting History listener, Christine uses this episode to dive into the... by Footnoting History
26 min listen
1288: A Moment in Norwich: (Samantha) Often it is hard to get any sense of what life was like in the past. This week, Sam will take you into the Norwich Leet Roll of 1288. This local court record that listed fines for everyday transgressions provides unique insights to the liv... by Footnoting History
16 min listen
Footnoting History’s Favorite Historical Footnotes: (Christine, Kristin, Josh, Lucy, Samantha) It's our birthday! Footnoting History first launched in February of 2013. To celebrate turning ten, all of our current hosts (yes, all!) picked out their favorite historical footnotes to share. This episode ... by Footnoting History
35 min listen
Rebecca Gratz: Philanthropist, Educator… Romantic Heroine?: (Lucy) Rebecca Gratz helped to shape the vibrant cultural life of Philadelphia after the Revolutionary War. A second-generation immigrant, she supported artists and public institutions, and pioneered co-ed religious and cultural education for America... by Footnoting History
17 min listen
The Papal Fleet: (Josh) It’s POPE NAVY time! When Church leaders gathered at the Council of Vienne in 1311, King Henry II of Cyprus promised Pope Clement V a fleet of ships which would have the purpose of enforcing trade embargoes the papacy had enacted. These trade ... by Footnoting History
24 min listen
History for the Holidays II: (Christine, Josh, Kristin) The so-called holiday season that ends every year is filled with fascinating history. For our second year in a row, we are bringing you some holiday-themed history to help you say goodbye to 2022 in style. by Footnoting History
20 min listen

Related podcast episodes

Skip carousel

Race in an English village; decoding organisation: Laurie Taylor explores the culture and work of Bletchley Park. by Thinking Allowed
28 min listen
118 - The Codebreakers of Bletchley Park: In this episode we’re looking at the British decryption efforts centred around Bletchley Park. I’m sure to some extent you’re all aware of the German cypher machine Enigma which proved so challenging to crack, but how much more do you know of... by The WW2 Podcast
56 min listen
The Biggest Prison Breakout of WW2: During World War II, in the town of Cowra in central New South Wales, thousands of Japanese prisoners of war were held in a POW camp by Dan Snow's History Hit
23 min listen
Episode 333-The Doolittle Raid Pt 4: The Pacific War Takes Shape by The History of WWII Podcast - by Ray Harris Jr
29 min listen
Hubert Butler - Ireland’s forgotten World War II hero.: Hubert Butler (1900-1991) is a forgotten Irish hero. In 1938-39 he traveled to the Nazi Third Reich to help Jews escape persecution. While he ultimately helped save 150 people from the holocaust, he was not celebrated in Ireland. Instead after he revea... by Irish History Podcast
19 min listen
Alan Turing & Bletchley Park by Warfare
29 min listen
Churchill's Darkest Hour by Warfare
42 min listen
TEASER - Jam Tomorrow, the brand new series from Podmasters: A special preview of our new series - search for Jam Tomorrow in your favourite podcast app by Oh God, What Now?
16 min listen
Elizabeth I's Favourite Painter: The miniaturist Nicholas Hilliard left to posterity some of the most famous and enduring images of Queen Elizabeth I. But how did this brilliant artist rise to become the first English-born court painter but end up in prison at the age of 70? by Not Just the Tudors
1 min listen
Winston Churchill's Election Defeat: In July l945 Britain's wartime leader Winston Churchill was ousted in a general election by Witness History
10 min listen
Episode 50 Fullcircle by John Buchan by Classic Ghost Stories
46 min listen
The New Model Army: The New Model Army was one of the most formidable fighting forces ever assembled. by Not Just the Tudors
55 min listen
Conspiracy: Hitler’s escape to South America: In our new series delving into historical conspiracy theories, Richard J Evans considers the idea that the Nazi leader escaped and led a long life in South America by History Extra podcast
29 min listen
How Britain Broke the World…and How Liz Truss Broke Britain (with Arthur Snell) by Prevail with Greg Olear
69 min listen
Hollywood Spy: The British WW1 Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbour: How Frederick Rutland helped the Japanese to build a cutting-edge navy before the Second World War. by Dan Snow's History Hit
25 min listen
Codebreaking at Bletchley Park: How Bletchley Park's codebreaking factory helped win the battle of the Atlantic. by Dan Snow's History Hit
30 min listen
The British Spy who Saved Jews from Hitler: Thomas Kendrick was at the very centre of British Intelligence operations throughout the first half of the twentieth century. He masterminded spy networks, saved the lives of thousands of Austrian Jews & saved MI6. Helen FrycjoinsDan to tell his st... by Dan Snow's History Hit
27 min listen
Tobias Churton on Aleister Crowley, The Last Years by Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio
70 min listen
Saving Bletchley Park with Dr. Sue Black: Bletchley Park is where brilliant people worked tirelessly to break the German Enigma code, and others. More importantly, it wasn't just Alan Turing. In fact, thousands of people, 80 percent of them women, worked at Bletchley Park. Scott talks to Dr. Sue Black, who used social media to raise awareness of the current state of Bletchley Park and help return the site to solvency. by Hanselminutes with Scott Hanselman
32 min listen
013: Martin Luther and His 95 Thesis: This is from an interview with Der Buddler from the German archeological podcast Angegraben... except translated into English. October 31st Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg. Or did he? For information regardi... by History of Germany Podcast
21 min listen
Alan Turing: The One Who Became a Zero: Andrew Hodges (author of Alan Turing: The Enigma) delivers a lecture on Alan Turing, the founder of modern computer science. This is the third annual lecture for LGBT history month. by Oxford LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) History Month Lectures
55 min listen
A taster of JAM TOMORROW with Ros Taylor – our new documentary podcast by This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler
16 min listen
89 Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace: Neil Oliver's Love Letter to the British Isles by Neil Oliver Podcast
34 min listen
100-year-old Bletchley Park Codebreaker, Charlotte 'Betty' Webb by From the Library With Love
64 min listen
WW2 the big questions: the early years of the conflict: From Dunkirk to Pearl Harbor, Laurence Rees charts the major moments of the opening stages of the Second World War by History Extra podcast
42 min listen
Milton Shulman: Sue Lawley's castaway is writer and critic Milton Shulman by Desert Island Discs
38 min listen
Sweyn Forkbeard: First Viking King of England: Was Sweyn Forkbeard the first Viking King of England? by Gone Medieval
39 min listen
Elizabeth II: A Princess At War: Her Majesty's personal history as a veteran of WW2. by Dan Snow's History Hit
23 min listen
First Lady: The Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill: Sonia Purnell presents the inspiring but often ignored story of one of the most important women in modern history - the original 'First Lady'. Discover the fascinating story of her influence on Britain's wartime leader, through the Churchills' 'wildernes by The National Archives Podcast Series
40 min listen
Episode 95: TGH 95: The History of AW Tillinghast, Part 2: Golf Historian, author and AW Tillinghast expert, Phil Young joins us on the show for Part 2 of the History of AW Tillinghast. In this episode we dive into some of Tilly's most famous designs, as we ponder the question of Tilly's genius and whether it was divine genius - ie... did he just inherently understand strategic golf design or did his architecture evolve? Stick around for the end of the show where Phil riffs on 6 of Tilly's great designs. by TalkinGolf
61 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

Alan Turing

Alan Turing

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Footnoting History

Related podcast episodes