New UK bank note to feature mathematician Turing

"Alan Turing was an outstanding mathematician whose work has had an enormous impact on how we live today," Bank of England governor Mark Carney said as he unveiled the note at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, northwest England.

By AFP
July 15, 2019

LONDON: The Bank of England on Monday said World War II code-breaker Alan Turing had been chosen to feature on the back of Britain´s new £50 bank note ($63, 56 euros).

"Alan Turing was an outstanding mathematician whose work has had an enormous impact on how we live today," Bank of England governor Mark Carney said as he unveiled the note at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, northwest England.

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"As the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, as well as war hero, Alan Turing´s contributions were far ranging and path breaking. Turing is a giant on whose shoulders so many now stand," the BoE chief added.

The Bank of England said that Turing played a pivotal role in the development of early computers.

Due to enter circulation by the end of 2021, the note shows a photo of Turing taken in 1951.

The Bank of England is putting new faces on Britain´s bank notes as it switches from paper to polymer, a thin, flexible plastic film that is seen as more durable and secure.

The new £20 note, due to enter circulation next year, will feature artist J. M. W. Turner on its back.

The new polymer £5 and £10 notes already in circulation show wartime leader Winston Churchill and author Jane Austen respectively.

Queen Elizabeth II features on the front of Britain´s bank notes.

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