A new £ 50 note featuring Alan Turing, the scientist best known for his codebreaking work during World War II, has been unveiled by the Bank of England and will go into circulation on 23 June, his date of birth.
Turing was prosecuted for homosexual acts in 1952, and an inquest concluded that Turing’s death from cyanide poisoning was suicide two years later.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said: “I am delighted that our new £ 50 includes one of Britain’s foremost scientists … He was also gay and was treated terribly as a result. By placing it on our new £ 50 polymer banknote, we celebrate his achievements and the values he symbolizes. “
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or [email protected] or [email protected]. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the emergency service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.