Part of Edsac pioneering computer found in US

An original part of the Edsac –one of the UK's pioneering computers - has been found in America. Previously to this, it is thought that it was sold at auction back in the 1950s.

Until now, it was not known where the parts of the Edsac was after it was dismantled following decommission in the 1950s.

The machine was built in Cambridge back in the 1940s for scientists at the university; the piece that has been discovered is reported to be quite significant in size.

The reason for its discovery is down to awareness because of publicity surrounding an effort to rebuild the famous computer. The find has been donated to the rebuild project and will be built into the finished machine.

The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator unbelievably ran its first programs in 1949 and helped many scientists with experimental data analysis.

Dr Andrew Herbert, who is head of the reconstruction project at the National Museum of Computing, said that there could be some other parts in existence “in the Cambridge area stored away in lofts, garden sheds and garages”.

The newly discovered piece (Chassis 1A) was in the US after being bought by Pennsylvanian resident, Robert Little. The part was acquired by Dr Robert Clarke, a Cambridge scientist in 1969, who had bought several Edsac pieces in the auction (he was originally planning to make them into bookshelves!)

You will be glad to know that reconstruction of Edsac is due to be completed by the end of 2015 – watch this space for more updates and let us know what you think about this fabulous find on Twitter @ACEComputerSup and Facebook!