BANKNOTES in the UK are being redesigned – and people are being encouraged to put forward ‘celebrated notable historical figures’ for inclusion in the new-look notes.

Famous and influential faces have appeared on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes since 1970, when William Shakespeare became the first person to feature on currency – other than a monarch.

Now, the Bank of England is looking for suggestions to feature on the new notes.

The bank has unveiled six themes for the new banknotes, and is encouraging people to comment on them, and suggest others.

The suggested themes are: notable historical figures; nature; architecture and landmarks; arts, culture and sport; noteworthy milestones; innovation.

“The chosen theme, or themes, will feature across all of the next denominations we issue (£5, £10, £20, £50),” the Bank of England said.

“We will still include the portrait of the monarch.”

People can submit comments online at https://app.keysurvey.co.uk/f/41787873/1bd2, or by writing to Banknote Imagery Consultation, Notes Directorate, Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AH. The deadline for comments is 11.59pm on July 31.

The launch of the consultation got us thinking – which Somerset faces could appear on a new banknote?

Our county has, of course, produced a number of notable historical figures, but who could feature on a banknote?

Here are a few suggestions for Somerset figures who might fit the (pound) bill – some you may have heard of, others you may not…

• Mary Etherington: a horse breeder from Withypool who is widely credited with reviving the Exmoor pony population after World War II.
• Frederic Weatherly: a lawyer, author, lyricist and broadcaster, who is said to have penned lyrics to around 3,000 popular songs, including the world-famous Danny Boy. He was born and raised in Portishead.
• Paul Nicholls: Acclaimed as the most successful National Hunt trainer of his generation, the former jockey is based at his stables in Ditcheat.
• Margery Fish (née Townshend): Although born in London, Margery moved to East Lambrook Manor near South Petherton and created the Grade I listed garden there that had a huge influence in creating a template for the classic ‘English cottage garden’.
• Charles Dowding: Another gardening pioneer, horticulturalist Charles has been an influential voice in organic and no-dig practices for decades.
• Michael Eavis: A legend in his own lifetime, the Glastonbury Festival founder would more than qualify in the notable historical figures and arts, culture and sport categories for his impact on British popular culture.

How Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis could look on a £10 note

Who do you think should feature on the newly-designed UK banknotes? Let us know in the comments below, or email us at newsdesk@somersetleveller.co.uk