Home > Arts > Artists > E > Frederick Henry Evans
Henry (Harry) Houghton, Portland Spy Ring
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Henry (Harry) Houghton, Portland Spy Ring
Henry (Harry) Frederick Houghton, (1905-1985), member of the Portland Spy Ring. He was arrested in 1961 and sentenced to fifteen years in prison. Date: 1961
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23215226
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1961 Frederick Harry Houghton May19 Portland Ring Spies Spying Trials
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> E
> Frederick Henry Evans
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures Henry (Harry) Frederick Houghton, a pivotal figure in one of the most significant espionage cases of the 1960s. Born in 1905, Houghton was a member of the Portland Spy Ring, a group of British citizens who were covertly passing sensitive information to the Soviet Union. The ring, which also included Melita Norwood and George Blake, was uncovered in 1961 in a joint operation between British and American intelligence services. Houghton, who worked as a clerk at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment in Aldermaston, was responsible for providing the Soviets with detailed information about the design and capabilities of Britain's nuclear weapons. He was arrested in May 1961 and charged with espionage. The Portland Spy Ring trials, which began in October 1961, were a major news story and caused a sensation in the press. Houghton, along with his co-conspirators, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. The trials highlighted the threat of Soviet espionage in the UK and led to increased scrutiny of security measures at sensitive government installations. This photograph offers a glimpse into the life of a man who, driven by ideology or financial gain, betrayed his country and put national security at risk. The 1960s were a decade of political upheaval and Cold War tensions, and the Portland Spy Ring case serves as a reminder of the complex and often dangerous world of espionage during this period.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
