The Alan Turing Memorial history

Throughout his life, Alan Turing made remarkable contributions to the world of mathematics, logic, cryptanalysis and the future realms of computer science. In 1938, he joined the Government Code and Cypher School, and moved to Bletchley Park at the outbreak of World War Two the following year. 

With his team in Hut 8 he designed a code-breaking machine known as the Bombe, and by 1942 was breaking more than 84,000 intercepted messages per month. This intelligence is thought to have significantly shortened the length of the war by 2 years, likely saving the lives of 14 million people. He was awarded an OBE and elected a fellow to the Royal Society of London. 

In 1952, homosexuality was still a crime under UK law, and in March of that year Turing was convicted of ‘gross indecency’ or in other words, being homosexual. He was given a criminal record and forced to undergo 12 months of hormone ‘therapy’, following which he moved to Manchester and began undertaking groundbreaking research into artificial life.

In the middle of this work however, Turing was found dead in his home from cyanide poisoning. Though many believe he committed suicide, it is still unknown what exactly happened. 

On 23 June 2001, the Alan Turing Memorial was installed in Sackville Gardens on what would have been his 89th birthday. The statue was cast in China following an enormous fundraising effort over the course of a year, surmounting to a total of £16,000 raised.

The Memorial today

Today the Alan Turing Memorial draws visitors from far and wide to honour the great man it was made for. The memorial features a bronze statue of Turing sitting on a bench holding an apple. 

The words, ‘Alan Mathison Turing 1912–1954’ are inscribed on the bench, with the motto ‘Founder of Computer Science’ written in a perceived enigma code. A plaque sits at his feet that reads the words: ‘Mathematician, Logician, Wartime Codebreaker, Victim of Prejudice’, and on the pavement is a mosaic LGBTQ flag.

Bouquets of flowers are often draped around his bronze likeness, particularly on the anniversary of his birth, and he is aptly placed between Canal Street, where Manchester’s gay village is situated, and the University of Manchester.

Getting to the Alan Turing Memorial 

The Memorial is located in Sackville Gardens in central Manchester and is a 10-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station. Its closest bus stop is the Sackville Gardens Stop directly next to the park, and the closest major stop is Minshull Street South, a 4-minute walk away. Parking is available all over the city, with the closest to Sackville Gardens being the NCP Car Park Manchester Sackville Street, a 1-minute walk away. 

Arc de Triomphe history

The Arc de Triomphe was built on Napoleon’s demand after the famous Battle of Austerlitz (1805), considered as his most famous military “masterpiece”.

The purpose of the Arch was to perpetuate the memory of the victories of the French army. The first stone was laid on August 15 of 1806, and the monument finished 30 years later, in 1836. The Arch is an imposing and ornate structure. Its many engravings include the dates of military victories, the names of important soldiers and depictions of war.

Before the expansion of Paris in 1860, the land on which was built the monument was on the border of the city, and had privileged access to the residence of the Emperor, the Tuileries Palace, located at the end of Champs Elysées. In addition to being a memorial, the Arc de Triomphe was also a showy gate erected to welcome Napoleon and his troops back from battles.

Arc de Triomphe today

Visitors can climb to its peak for magnificent views or enter the small museum inside it, both of which are included in the entrance fee. A further attraction at the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which commemorates those who fought in the two World Wars with an eternal flame.

Among the various decorations adorning the Arc de Triomphe. Do not miss Le Départ des Volontaires en 1792, also known as la Marseillaise, representing the French people in their diversity (revolutionary, royalist and Bonapartist) going together to battle. A republican french icon, built under King Louis Philippe in 1833.

Do not miss The attic either at the top of the arch, with 30 shields on which are engraved the names of the great battles of the Revolution and the Empire. Battles you will also see on the large arcades.

Finally, note that 2 times a year, the sun sets in the exact center of the arch, phenomenon you can enjoy from the Champs-Elysées. This breathtaking sight occurs in May and August. It is recommended one visits after 6:30 p.m., when the flame of the unknown soldier is lit and the Champs-Elysées is bathed in shimmering lights. From the observation deck at the top of the arch, breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré Coeur, and the Louvre are also in store.

Getting to Arc de Triomphe

The celebrated arch is located at the west end of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, on the Place Charles de Gaulle (often also referred to as the Place de l’Etoile).If travelling via metro, the closest station is Charles de Gaulle Etoile which can be accessed via Line 1, 2 or 6.

Arch of Augustus history

This Roman triumphal arch is the oldest of its kind in northern Italy and was commissioned by Emperor Augustus in 27 BC. It marked the entrance to Rimini for travellers on the Flaminian Way built by Consul Flaminius in 220 BC to link Rimini and Rome. The arch stands an impressive 17m high on modern-day Corso d’Augusto.

The arch honours Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, better know as Octavian or Augustus who was the first Roman emperor from 27 BC to 14 AD.

The whole structure, covered in Istrian stone, presents strong religious and propagandist characteristics and the architecture reflects that of the temple.

The main peculiarity of this arch is that the archway is especially large for a gate of the time, potentially due to the peaceful policies of Augustus. The so-called Pax Romana, made a civic gate that could be closed seem unnecessary since there was no danger of attack.

The gate remained in use after antiquity with some modifications. The battlements on the upper part date back to the medieval period when the city was held by the Ghibellines. The arch remained one of the city gates until the Fascist period, when the city wall was demolished and the arch was left as an isolated monument.

When the fascists were in power in the 1920s, and all things Roman were to be lauded, the local authorities decided to demolish the defensive city walls on either side of this magnificent archway in order to remove it from its medieval context and place it firmly back to the days when Ariminum had a larger role to play. An ideological move which has left the archway looking somewhat stranded in the 21st century

Arch of Augustus today

Along with the Bridge of Augustus and Tiberius, it is today one of the symbols of Rimini, so important that it appears on the city’s coat of arms.

The original archway would have had a large statue of Augustus which has been lost to history. Today the images of the four Roman gods to whom the gate was dedicated,  Jupiter, Apollo, Neptune, and Roma, are still visible, as well as the inscription dedicating the archway to Augustus.

Getting to the Arch of Augustus

The Arch of Augustus is located on the western side of the Alcido Cervi Park in central Rimini. The nearest train station is Piazza Tre Martiri and the nearest bus stop is Arco d’Augusto. Visitors can walk down the Corso d’Augusto to see the arch appear on the horizon. Nearby parking areas include parcheggio Italo Flori, Parco Cervi and parcheggio Settebellovia Roma.

Erected to commemorate Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312AD, the Arch of Constantine contains an inscription dedicated to the emperor which can still be read today.

The Arch of Constantine is situated next to the Colosseum and near to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. It is free to visit and there are no opening hours. As well as the Arch of Constantine, there are two other triumphal arches in Rome: The Arch of Titus and the Arch of Severus.

History of Arch of Constantine

The arch was built between 312 and 315AD to commemorate ten years of Constantine’s reign and his victory over the then reigning emperor Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

The Arch of Constantine is also significant because it reflects Constantine the Great transforming Rome politically, religiously, and his founding of Constantinople (modern day Istanbul).

The Arch’s location, between the Palatine and Caelian Hills, spanned the ancient route of the Roman triumphs, which was a ceremonious route to celebrate Rome’s military victories.

The arch is around 20 metres high and 25 metres wide, with three smaller archways.

It is a superb example of the ideological and stylistic changes Constantine’s reign brought to art, as well as demonstrating the emperor’s diligent adherence to traditional forms of Roman Imperial art and architecture.

During the Middle Ages, the arch was incorporated into one of the family strongholds of Ancient Rome.

Restoration works were carried out in the 18th century, with the most recent taking place in the late 1990s, before the Great Jubilee of 2000.

Arch of Constantine Today

Today, visitors can admire the striking and eclectic relief structures on the arch. There are a number of figures such as Nike above the central archway, as well as architectural features that correspond to the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius.

Most of the reliefs feature the emperors participating in codified activities that demonstrate the ruler’s authority and piety.

Many other famous arches have been either directly or indirectly inspired by the arch, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Arc de Triomphe and Marble Arch.

In the same area is the famous Roman Forum, which is home to a number of stunning monuments from the same era.

Getting to Arch of Constantine

From the centre of Rome, the arch is a 25 minute walk via Via Cavour. It’s also an 8 minute drive along the same road, though parking might be difficult at the site. There are also a number of connecting bus and metro services.

Arch of Germanicus history

The arch was built to honour Roman Emperor Tiberius, his son Drusus and his adopted son Germanicus. Germanicus was the nephew of Tiberius and brother to Emperor Claudius. He was a successful Roman general and won a series of impressive victories against the Germanic tribes, hence his honourary name. The Arch of Germanicus celebrated these victories and honoured the commander, who had died the year before.

The Arch of Germanicus once stood at the head of a Roman bridge but on the proposal of Prosper Mérimée in 1843, it was moved fifteen metres during works on quays along the river, and was eventually restored in 1851.

Arch of Germanicus today

Today the Arch of Germanicus stands near the river, right next to Paule’s place, and is open to view and visit. 15.9 metres long and 15 metres high, it is one of the best preserved Roman remains in the city of Saintes.

Visitors can sit by the spectacular Arch on a sunny day and watch the boats go by.

Getting to Arch of Germanicus

The Arch of Germanicus stands in the small city of Saintes, which is located in the department of Charente-Maritime of the french region Poitou-Charentes. The city is roughly 120km (1hr 30min drive) north of Bordeaux and 80km (1hr drive) south of La Rochelle on the western coast of France. The address of the Arch is Place Bassompierre, 17100 Saintes.

The site is very accessible from the road with free parking closeby. Brief information is provided at the arch, but a leaflet from the tourist office may very weel prove to be more helpful.

Arch of Hadrian history

The Arch of Hadrian is a large gateway that in some ways resembles a Roman triumphal arch.

It spanned an ancient road from the centre of Athens, Greece, to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city including the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

The construction of the Arch of Hadrian is believed to have been started in 131 BC to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to thank him for his benefactions for the city.

Since Hadrian had become an Athenian citizen nearly two decades before the monument was built, Kouremenos has argued that the inscriptions on the arch honour him as an Athenian rather than as the Roman emperor.

It is not known exactly who built this arch, though it is probable that it was the Athenians. Symbolically the location of the arch was to mark the line between the ancient part of Athens and Hadrian’s new city.

There were two inscriptions on the arch, facing in opposite directions, naming both Theseus and Hadrian as founders of Athens. While it is clear that the inscriptions honour Hadrian, it is uncertain whether they refer to the city as a whole or to the city in two parts, one old and one new. The early idea, however, that the arch marked the line of the ancient city wall, and thus the division between the old and the new regions of the city, has been revealed to be unlikely by further excavation.

At the time that it was recorded architecturally by Stuart and Revett in the mid-18th century, the base of the arch was buried to the level of around three feet. Given that it was not protected for around nineteen centuries of existence, the arch entered the modern era in extraordinary condition. Although the columns of the lower level are missing, the arch is preserved to its full height and towers over modern Amalias Avenue.

Arch of Hadrian today

In recent decades, atmospheric pollution has damaged the monument. There is extensive discoloration of the stone and degradation of the inscriptions.

The main structure of the Arch remains and it now stands on the edge of one of Athens’ busiest avenues.

Getting to the Arch of Hadrian

The arch is accessible by public transport including bus and tram. The nearest metro stations are Akropoli and Neos Kosmos.

Today, the Arch of Marcus Aurelius is the sole remaining structure from Roman era Oea, although the arch itself is well-preserved. Please note, it is advisable to check the official advice of your government’s foreign office before travelling to Libya.

Arch of Marcus Aurelius history

Oea was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC, likely attracted to the natural harbour there which was flanked by a small and easily defensible peninsula where they established their colony. The Greek rulers of Cyrene then claimed Oea but it was shortly after wrestled back by the Carthaginians.

By the later 2nd century AD, Oea was conquered by the Romans who included it in their province of Africa. The Romans left their mark on Oea by building a magnificent triumphal arch to their emperor, Marcus Aurelius, around 165 AD. The arch was dedicated not only to the emperor Marcus Aurelius but Lucius Verus, the emperor’s adoptive brother, to commemorate his victories during the Roman-Parthian War of 161-166 AD.

Comprised of a central stone dome held by flat slabs, the arch was erected entirely of expensive marble. The arch also stood at the intersection of the city’s main streets, dominating the route of travellers who would witness the triumphant might of the Roman Empire.

Oea, becoming Tripoli, was continuously occupied throughout the ancient to the modern period, meaning that many of the ancient buildings were used to build others or have since been buried beneath the newer city. After the Italian conquest during World War One, the site gained immediate attention and was restored.

Unfortunately, since 2017 the Arch of Marcus Aurelius has suffered from consistent visitor damage and the effects of acidic rain.

Arch of Marcus Aurelius today

In today’s city of Tripoli, visitors will find this monument to the ancient Roman presence in Oea nestled within a popular tourist spot. Guarded by a low fence and railing, you can get reasonably close to the triumphal arch to see the figures depicted either side of the gateway, believed to be the city’s deities Apollo and Minerva.

Surrounded by several great restaurants, the Arch of Marcus Aurelius is a must-see for any visitor to Tripoli, particularly in the evening lit up by the sunset.

Getting to the Arch of Marcus Aurelius

Situated just off Al-Shat Road by the port, the Arch of Marcus Aurelius is easily found when walking around Tripoli. Otherwise, the city bus station is a 10 minute walk away on Al-Rashid Street.

Located in the Roman Forum, the Arch of Septimius Severus commemorates the short war between Rome and the Parthian Empire, fought by the Emperor between 194-199AD. The brief conflict resulted in victory for Severus, who sacked the Parthian capital and reclaimed territory in the East.

Arch of Septimius Severus history

The arch was completed in 203AD and remains in good condition despite the passage of time. The arch commemorates the Roman victories over the Parthians in the final decade of the 2nd century CE. The triple triumphal arch remains one of the most richly decorated of its type.

The arch stands on the Via Sacra in the Forum Romanum of Rome and has the three arches typical of later Roman triumphal arches. The larger central archway was used for traffic, whilst the two outer arches were closed off by steps. In terms of construction materials, the core and foundations are of travertine whilst, the whole is faced with Proconnesian marble, a feature of which is its grey and white bands. The eight composite columns, four on each façade, are of the same marble type.

The monument is almost 21 meters high, over 23 metres wide and is made of Proconessian white marble from the Sea of Marmara, which was very popular during the reign of Septimius Severus. The monument was built close to the Senate’s meeting place, the Curia Julia. According to Herodian and Cassius Dio, Severus had dreamt that he had climbed the horse of Pertinax on this spot hence the arch was erected in this place.

The most important parts of the Arch of Septimius Severus are the four reliefs, which show scenes of the wars against the Parthian Empire. The sequence is indicated by four statues of the four seasons, which can be seen at the feet of the Victorias in the spandrels. Like the relief on the Column of Trajan, the four reliefs have to be read from bottom to top. The western façade, unfortunately, is very damaged, because it has always been exposed to the wind and a fire in the Middle Ages.

Arch of Septimius Severus today

It is free to view and there are no opening times. There are two similar triumphal arches in Rome, the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus.

Getting to the Arch of Septimius Severus

The Arch of Septimus Severus is located in the northwest part of the Roman Forum which lies between the Colosseum and Piazza del Campidoglio.

To travel by metro, take Line B and the nearest stop is Colosseo.

History of Beatles-Platz Square

Beatles-Platz Square was built in 2008 to commemorate Hamburg’s important role in the history of The Beatles.

In the 1960’s, many bars and music venues along St. Pauli’s infamous Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit streets hosted bands, helping them gain stardom, both for German and international musicians.

Before the ‘British Invasion’ began in 1964, the Beatles too spent two years playing gigs in this area (from August 1960 to December 1962) in small venues like Indra and the Star-Club and later the larger Kaiserkeller, amongst the area’s neon lights, clubs and restaurants. During this time, they often stayed above the venues they played in, in shabby living conditions.

However, playing at these venues helped improve and hone their performance skills, widened their reputation, and led to their first recording, ‘My Bonnie’, made in Hamburg with Tony Sheridan – bringing them to the attention of Brian Epstein. Indeed George Harrison is quoted at having said “Hamburg was really like our apprenticeship, learning how to play in front of people”, and John Lennon later said, “I might have been born in Liverpool – but I grew up in Hamburg”.

The Beatles are also said to have first met Astrid Kirchherr in Hamburg, who was instrumental in their adoption of the mop topped Beatle haircut.

The draft design of The Beatles’ silhouettes was by architects Dohse & Stich, and the project cost about €500,000 to build, covered by the City of Hamburg, sponsors and donations from members of the public. Construction took approximately three months and a ceremonial opening took place on 11 September 2008, presided over by the city’s First Mayor.

Beatles-Platz Square today

Alongside the silhouettes of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Stuart Sutcliffe, their original bass-player, one figurine represents a hybrid of drummers Pete Best and Ringo Starr — who both played with the band in Hamburg. In addition to the metal statues of the band members, there are song names of successful songs.

Tourists often pose inside the silhouettes imagining they were part of the band.

Getting to Beatles-Platz Square

Beatles-Platz Square is situated at the intersection of the renowned nightlife district of the Reeperbahn and Große Freiheit street, a short walk from the city centre. The closest public transport links are U3 St. Pauli or S1, S2 and S3 Reeperbahn.

Boadicea and Her Daughters Statue history

Boudicca – often spelled Boadicea in Victorian times – was the queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe in the 1st century. In the year 60 or 61 AD, she led the Iceni and Trinovantes in a revolt against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire, destroying Camulodunum (modern-day Colchester), Verulamium (modern-day St Albans) and Londinium (modern-day London) in the process.

In response, Roman governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus regrouped and retaliated against Boudicca’s forces, in a decisive defeat of the fierce queen. Following this, Boudicca either committed suicide, as noted by Roman historian Tacitus, or died of illness.

The story of these events resurged in the Renaissance, finding further fame in the Victorian era when Queen Victoria herself was considered Boudicca’s namesake – their names both meaning ‘victory’. Boadicea and Her Daughters was thus begun in the 1850s, with Victoria and Prince Albert involved in its commission. The sculptor, Thomas Thornycroft, had completed a full size model of the statue by his death in 1885, however funds for its casting in bronze had not yet materialised.

In continuation of his late-father’s work, Sir John Isaac Thornycroft oversaw the subsequent fundraising effort, and by 1898 the statue was at last cast in bronze. It wasn’t until 1902 however – 17 years after its sculptors death – that Boadicea and Her Daughters was installed atop a granite plinth in Westminster.

Boadicea and Her Daughters Statue today

Today, Boadicea and Her Daughters is one of London’s most iconic statues, depicting a spear-wielding Boudicca and her two daughters atop a scythed horse-drawn chariot. Sitting at the entrance to Westminster Bridge, across from Parliament Square and the Palace of Westminster, it also features a hint of irony, given that it lies at the centre of the city she destroyed!

One of only two chariot group sculptures in London – the other is Peace in her Quadriga, which sits atop Constitutional Arch at Hyde Park Corner – the statue provides a glimpse into some of Britain’s oldest history, and allows onlookers a dramatic interpretation of one of its most infamous ancient figures.

Getting to Boadicea and Her Daughters Statue

Bodicea and Her Daughters is located at Westminster Bridge in London. The nearest Underground station is Westminster, a minute walk away, while the nearest train station is Waterloo, a 15-minute walk away. A number of buses stop nearby, with the closest stops at Westminster Pier, a minute walk away, and Westminster Station/Parliament Square, a 2-minute walk away