Prince Charles' Bletchley visit

1 month ago 25th Jul 14:00

Britain's Prince Charles visited Bletchley Park National Codes Centre in Bletchley, England, yesterday (24.07.08) to give a speech on the important of maintaining the heritage site.

Accompanied by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, the prince spoke to supporters of the site of the secret wooden shacks - once the location of Britain's most advanced mathematicians who waged a secret war against Nazi Germany during World War II - and lent his support to the restoration project.

Francis Richards, chairman of Bletchley Park's trustees, said: "The worst-affected buildings look as if they are about to fall down, with paint flaking off and one - which was probably the most important hut - covered in plastic sheeting at one end."

Speaking to supporters of the project - who recently sold broken roof tiles in a bid to raise money for the restoration - Charles said: "You are the keepers of one of the greatest British success stories. Workers here had ensured that this country finally emerged victorious from World War II."

You are the keepers of one of the greatest British success stories. Workers here had ensured that this country finally emerged victorious from World War II.

If the site does not receive restoration soon, the wooden shacks will be beyond repair in three years time, according to a letter published yesterday signed by 97 scientists from leading universities throughout Britain.

The letter read: "The future of the site, buildings, resources and equipment at Bletchley Park must be preserved for future generations."