About Tom Kilburn
Lived 1921 – 2001 (aged 79). Tom Kilburn was a British computer scientist, engineer, university teacher and mathematician, known for Atlas (computer), Manchester Baby and Manchester Mark 1.
Early life and education
Tom Kilburn was born in Earlseaton near Dewsbury, Yorkshire, on 11 August 1921, He was given a quick course in electronics, and was posted to the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE) in Malvern, where he worked on radar in Group 19 under Frederic Calland Williams. The group was responsible for designing and debugging electronic circuitry. Although Williams was initially disappointed at being given someone with so little practical experience, Kilburn became a valued member of the team. His nomination for the Royal Society reads:
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Important facts
People in Tom Kilburn's life
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Related people
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Tom Kilburn?
British electrical engineer (1921–2001)
When was Tom Kilburn born?
Tom Kilburn was born on 11 August 1921 in Dewsbury.
When did Tom Kilburn die?
Tom Kilburn died on 17 January 2001 in Manchester.
What was Tom Kilburn's occupation?
Tom Kilburn was a computer scientist, engineer, university teacher and mathematician.
What was Tom Kilburn known for?
Tom Kilburn was known for Atlas (computer), Manchester Baby, Manchester Mark 1, Manchester computers and Williams tube.
What nationality was Tom Kilburn?
Tom Kilburn was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Tom Kilburn. https://biography.guide/tom-kilburn/
MLA: "Tom Kilburn." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/tom-kilburn/.
Chicago: "Tom Kilburn." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/tom-kilburn/.
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