Vote ‘Architecture and Landmarks’ and help shape the next series of Bank of England Banknotes

Telford & Wrekin Council is calling on residents, schools, heritage organisations and history enthusiasts to take part in a national public consultation that could shape the future design of Bank of England banknotes.

Published on: 16 July 2025

This is a rare chance to celebrate a local landmark of global significance. By supporting the theme ‘Architecture and Landmarks’, you could help make the Iron Bridge - the world’s first cast-iron bridge and a symbol of British innovation, feature on new bank notes.

The Bank of England is currently inviting views on the themes to feature on its next series of banknotes, scheduled for release in 2026. Among the shortlisted categories is architecture and landmarks - a theme that celebrates Britain’s most iconic places, from historic bridges and buildings to treasured landscapes and design achievements.

Councillor Angela McClements, (Lab) Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture & the Arts said: “Featuring one of Britain’s iconic landmarks - like the Iron Bridge - on a Bank of England banknote would be more than national recognition; it would celebrate our region with the world. 

 “The Iron Bridge is one of Telford’s and also the UK’s most powerful symbols, it revolutionised engineering and inspired future bridge design, influenced global manufacturing and infrastructure and construction techniques were pioneering, using carpentry-style joints adapted for iron.

“It stands as a testament to British ingenuity and global influence. Featuring it on a national banknote would be a powerful celebration of Ironbridge’s place in UK and world history.

“As the 40th anniversary of Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site status approaches in 2026, a bank note that features the great Iron Bridge would not just be a fitting tribute but would be a chance for us to celebrate our heritage, boost tourism, and share our story far and wide.”

Councillor Carolyn Healy, (Lab) Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning & Sustainability added: “We’re calling on everyone - schools, history groups, residents, and proud locals - to take part. Your voice matters. Let’s champion Architecture and Landmarks and show the Bank of England what the Iron Bridge means to all of us”

By backing this theme, the public could pave the way for national landmarks - such as the Iron Bridge - to be considered for future banknote designs.

While no specific sites are being confirmed at this stage, public support for Architecture and Landmarks is crucial. If selected, it may lead to a further round of public feedback where individual images, places, and personalities will be nominated.

Participation is quick and simple

Visit the consultation page: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/help-us-design-our-next-series-of-banknotes

  1. Select Architecture and Landmarks as one of your preferred themes
  2. Share in 100 characters or less why this theme matters to you, your community, or your heritage, for example:

  • The Iron Bridge celebrates how we shaped the modern world and how British ingenuity connects past, present and future across the globe.
  • From heritage to hope - The Iron Bridge is not just an icon of global design and engineering, it’s a symbol of hope, of progress and of always pushing forward.
  • The Iron Bridge is a symbol of home for me, I may live in London now and travel the world, but the Iron Bridge remains the image that says “you are home”. My pride in the place I call home always returns to this image.”

Why It Matters
Banknotes do more than represent currency - they reflect our national values, identity, and the stories that unite us. Supporting this theme gives voice to the people and places that have shaped Britain, including local landmarks that continue to inspire and educate generations.

The consultation closes 11:59pm on 31 July 2025.

This is your chance to influence the design of the next series of banknotes and champion the importance of Britain’s architectural legacy.