The Victoria University of Manchester was founded in 1880, the Department of Electrotechnics in 1912, and the Department of Computer Science in 1964. The world’s first stored program computer was born here, and the University has been at the forefront of computing ever since.
Ferranti Ltd was founded in Manchester in 1896. The first computer team, established at Moston in 1949, moved to West Gorton in 1956. ICT acquired the facility in 1963, and it became part of ICL in 1968. West Gorton has achieved many computing world firsts since then.
NEW BABY
On June 21st 1948 the world's first stored program computer, the 'Baby', successfully ran its first program, and the computer age was born.
Now few of us can imagine life without computers. The last fifty years have seen incredible changes in the way we work, play and communicate - a computer revolution.
And it all began in Manchester.
To celebrate the golden anniversary of this momentous birth, ICL is sponsoring a replica of the 'Baby', which is being built by the Computer Conservation Society, with assistance from West Gorton. The new arrival will be officially switched on during a week of celebrations, starting June 15th 1998.
Just as the computer revolution has touched every area of our community, we want every area of our community to be involved in the celebrations. A diverse range of events is planned, including international conferences, a Hallé Orchestra concert, schools events, lectures and of course an Official Birthday Party. So why not join us?
For fifty years, the University of Manchester has been designing computers and has established numerous inventions throughout this period. At the same time, the Ferranti/ICL organisations have pioneered many new machines and created some of the most advanced commercial systems available.
This remarkable collaboration has kept Manchester at the forefront of computer technology, and it leads the way still.
For a golden opportunity to learn more about this incredible story and how to be a part of it, read on....
The original Mark I computer, pioneered at The University of Manchester
CELEBRATIONS!
THE STORY CONTINUES
Modern chip technology - the ICL Series 39 SX processor being developed at West Gorton
