Turing's Encounter with Arnold Murray

In December 1951, Alan Turing encountered Arnold Murray, a 19-year-old unemployed man, outside the Regal Cinema in Manchester. This meeting marked the beginning of a relationship that would have significant implications for Turing's life. After their initial lunch together, the two agreed to meet again, and by January 1952, they had developed an intimate relationship. This connection was not only personal but also intertwined with the social context of the time, as Turing was a prominent figure in the field of mathematics and computer science, known for his work during World War II on codebreaking. The relationship, however, would soon lead to complications that would affect Turing's life profoundly. On January 23, Turing's home in Wilmslow was burgled, an event that would bring the police into his personal life. Murray informed Turing that he was acquainted with the burglar, which led to a police investigation. This incident ultimately exposed Turing's relationship with Murray, which was illegal under the laws of the time due to their sexual orientation. The subsequent legal troubles faced by Turing highlighted the societal attitudes towards homosexuality and the severe consequences individuals faced. Turing's encounter with Murray not only changed his personal life but also became a pivotal point in the discussion around LGBTQ+ rights and the treatment of individuals based on their sexual orientation in society.