Norman Routledge was born near
Alexandra Park, north
London, England. Returning to academia, Routledge became a research Fellow in mathematics at King's College, Cambridge. He taught college undergraduates, and after a time was a director of studies. In 1959,
Robert Birley, Headmaster at
Eton College, asked Routledge for a recommendation of some promising student for a mathematics teaching post; and he suggested himself. He taught mathematics at the school for some years and was later a housemaster. He was considered an inspirational teacher, Later in his life, he taught music for the
Salvation Army community in
Bermondsey, southeast London. In retirement towards the end of his own life, he was able to be more openly gay. ==Association with Alan Turing==