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