A new £50 note is entering circulation throughout the UK, featuring the face of Alan Turing. The history making scientist joins the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Sir John Houblon and James Watt amongst others.
The new Bank of England note, made of polymer like previous notes in circulation, depict the famous mathematician Alan Turing. The issuing of the notes today is to coincide with Mr Turing’s 108th birthday.
There is also a colourful memorial displayed within the heart of Government Communication Head Quarters (GCHQ). The 10 metre by 10 metre rainbow canvas is situated at the GCHQ hub.
Created by 3D artist Joe Hill, the artwork features Alan Turing within the wheels of the British Bombe. The British Bombe is the machine was invaluable in cracking the unbreakable Enigma Code. Within the image are 15 secret codes which visitors can attempt to decipher.
All polymer notes in production have advanced security features. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey welcomes the recognition of Turing’s work. Talking at Bletchley Park, he said the banknotes historically “celebrate the countries most important historical figures”.
By placing Turing on the £50, we recognise “his contributions to our society, and celebration of his remarkable life”.
Alan Turing’s incredible life, dedicated to science
Alan Turing was vital to the cracking of the enigma code during his time at Bletchley Park. Turing worked for the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS). At the time, Bletchley Parks codebreaking centre created Ultra Intelligence.
Turing led Hut 8 for a while before Hugh Alexanders succession in November 1942. Within this time he designed, and initiated, many different ways of speeding up the decipher of German codes. He continually improved he pre war Polish bombe method. The electrical machine would pick up the settings for the Enigma machine.
Even after the Second World War, Turing’s contributions to mathematics and computer science continue to change the face of history. Despite various accomplishments Turing’s work did not gain recognition in his lifetime due to the Official Secrets Act.
His arrest due to homosexuality in 1952 began to overshadow his later life. As an alternative to a prison sentence, Turing chose chemically castration. Turing died just 16 days before turning 42. Although official records state the cause of death as suicide, there is evidence to suggest accidental poisoning too.
An internet campaign helped overturn the appalling treatment he suffered. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued an official apology on behalf of the British Government. Queen Elizabeth II officially pardoned Turing in 2013.
A historical new law remains in place, known as The Alan Turing Law. This informal law, offers retrospective pardons to men cautioned or convicted for homosexual acts.
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