A new £ 50 bill with Alan Turing, the scientist best known for his coding work during World War II, was revealed by the Bank of England and will go into circulation on 23 June, the date of his birth.
Turing was prosecuted for homosexual acts in 1952, and an investigation concluded that Turing’s death from cyanide poisoning two years later was suicide.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said: “I am very happy that our new £ 50 features one of Britain’s most important scientists … He was also gay and was treated terribly as a result. By placing it on our new £ 50 polymer banknote, we are celebrating its achievements and the values it symbolizes.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or [email protected] or [email protected]. In the USA, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the Lifeline crisis support service is 13 11 14. Other international help lines can be found at www.befrienders.org.