Famous British figures, including Winston Churchill and Jane Austen, will disappear from Bank of England banknotes, to be replaced by animals.
Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own banknotes, though Bank of England notes are legal tender across the UK.
The Bank of England (BoE) has said that historical figures will be phased out from the reverse sides of its banknotes in the next series. Instead, it will introduce images of British wildlife in a move designed to celebrate the nation’s natural heritage and enhance security features.
This announcement came after a public consultation that attracted more than 44,000 responses.
The decision marks the end of more than 50 years of featuring prominent individuals such as Churchill on the £5 note, Austen on the £10, JMW Turner on the £20 and Alan Turing on the £50.
Nature emerged as the favourite theme, selected by 60 per cent of respondents, ahead of architecture and landmarks (56 per cent), historical figures (38 per cent), arts, culture and sport (30 per cent), innovation (23 per cent), and noteworthy milestones (19 per cent).
The BoE said wildlife imagery offers advantages from a counterfeit prevention standpoint, as intricate natural details can incorporate advanced security elements, while also providing an opportunity to highlight the UK’s rich and varied biodiversity.
Victoria Cleland, the BoE’s Chief Cashier, stated: “Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes.”
The designs will focus on native species, excluding household pets and may include plants, animals, birds or landscapes from across the UK, with representation of the Home Nations taken into account.
A panel of experts will compile a shortlist of potential wildlife subjects, which will then go to a second public consultation planned for this summer to gather preferences on specific animals, plants or scenes.
The final selection rests with the BoE’s Governor Andrew Bailey, although the new notes are not expected to enter circulation for several years as the redesign and production process unfolds.
The portrait of the reigning monarch, currently King Charles III, will continue to appear on the front of all notes, maintaining a longstanding tradition that dates back to Queen Elizabeth II’s first appearance in 1960.
Historical figures first featured on BoE notes in 1970 with William Shakespeare.
Prior to this, notes featured only the reigning monarch and the allegorical figure Britannia, who had been a constant feature of the BoE’s designs since its founding in 1694.
The shift has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a fresh, unifying celebration of Britain’s natural environment, with some noting that wildlife themes already appear on notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland, featuring species including otters, red squirrels and ospreys.
Critics, though, have described the decision as “bonkers” or “not their finest hour”, lamenting the removal of iconic figures like Churchill in favour of creatures such as otters or badgers.
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