Some of you may be reading this article and wondering what on earth Money Matters is talking about. Those brought up in the digital era have no concept of the fact that generations before them dealt only in cash. So, it was quite surprising to find last month that the Bank of England decided to invite us all to comment on the designs we’d like to see on the next issue of bank notes.

The consultation has closed now, so you’re too late to influence matters, unless you’ve already been in touch with the Bank. But it left me wondering what I might like to see on these notes. The Bank said they wanted a major redesign and the public weren’t slow on the uptake. Historically, the designs have included famous British people of years past, but the public’s responses ranged from the ingenious to the ridiculous, including the great British bulldog.

A move away from people to places

The Bank hasn’t published the full results, but apparently a move away from people to places and objects has been popular. What landmarks would you choose? Surely we don’t want them all to be from London? Although there would be plenty of candidates, both ancient and modern. Stonehenge for ancient history and the south, or the Angel of the North perhaps?

How about transport? Some of our favourite locomotives or maybe the ships that portray our naval heritage? Iconic sports stadia, such as Wembley, Lords or, even better, Cheltenham Racecourse could be an option.

If we want to stick with people, how about some more modern day icons? I’ll leave you to think about who you would include in this category.

It will be interesting to see the full feedback from the Bank in due course, and it’s down to its Governor for the final decision.