A prestigious all-boys boarding school in the United Kingdom had a significant moment on Tuesday as they welcomed back a collection of stolen mementos once belonging to the renowned mathematician, Alan Turing. Turing, famously known for his code-breaking accomplishments during World War II, had his 1938 Princeton University Ph.D. diploma in mathematics, an Order of the British Empire medal, and a letter from King George VI formally returned to the Sherbourne School in southern England during a repatriation ceremony conducted by United States government officials.
The long-awaited return of Turing’s cherished belongings comes after a tumultuous journey that spanned more than five years. These artifacts were initially seized by U.S. authorities from a Colorado woman who falsely claimed to be related to Turing and had taken the items under the misguided belief that she was preserving his legacy. However, her actions were ultimately discovered, leading to the seizure and subsequent repatriation of the stolen memorabilia.
Dr. Dominic Luckett, the headmaster and CEO of Sherborne School, expressed great pride in the association between the institution and Alan Turing, emphasizing the school’s commitment to preserving and promoting his extraordinary legacy. The significance of this event cannot be understated, marking the culmination of almost four decades of strange and unexpected twists surrounding Turing’s stolen memorabilia.
In early 2018, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security received a tip regarding historical artifacts from Turing’s collection being offered to the University of Colorado Boulder. The individual behind this offer, Julia Mathison Turing, a resident of Conifer, claimed a false familial connection to Turing and sought to lend the pieces for public display. However, the diligent research conducted by school officials revealed the truth: Julia had stolen these items from Sherborne School in 1984.
The investigation revealed that Julia Turing, previously known as Julia Schwinghamer, had contacted the British boarding school in 1984, posing as a researcher studying Alan Turing. During her visit to the school, she deceitfully took possession of the memorabilia, leaving behind only a note inside the wooden box as an apologetic gesture. Federal agents eventually discovered the stolen items during a search of Julia Turing’s home in Conifer and, notably, found Turing’s Princeton diploma hidden behind a dresser. Furthermore, a secret compartment in the bathroom wall revealed additional artifacts, including the Order of the British Empire medal accompanied by a letter from King George VI.
At an October 2020 court appearance, Julia Turing lauded Alan Turing as a remarkable individual and announced her decision to relinquish her collection to England out of respect for the country’s wishes. The settlement of the case between the government and Julia Turing in April 2021 ensured the return of these stolen objects.
Turing’s nephew, Sir Dermot Turing, expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, highlighting the importance of returning these items that were wrongfully kept hidden from the public for so long. He remarked that there is little remaining in terms of personal belongings relating to his uncle, and the repatriation is a positive step toward honoring Turing’s memory.
Alan Turing’s story gained global recognition following Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of him in the critically acclaimed film, “The Imitation Game.” Turing’s groundbreaking contributions to modern computing and his instrumental role in World War II as a codebreaker for the Allied forces have solidified his place in history. Despite his significant achievements, Turing’s life took a tragic turn when he was persecuted for his homosexuality and subjected to chemical castration. Only decades later did the British government issue a formal apology and grant him a royal pardon. In tribute to his lasting impact, the Bank of England unveiled a £50 banknote featuring Alan Turing’s likeness in 2021, symbolizing his embodiment of the nation’s spirit.
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