The banknotes of England had a scattered start in the beginning of 17th century and witnessed its expansion throughout the Industrial Revolution. The regulation and amalgamation of these banknotes in the later 19th and early 20th centuries reflects the wider spread of Britain’s economic development.

In the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the word ‘Banker’ was used to refer to an exchange broker. The first Bank of England was established to raise money for King William III’s war against France. The Bank started to issue note in return of deposits. These bankers were the goldsmith-banker, who began to accept deposits. The transfer of loan and funds and gave receipts for cash.

These early receipts were known as ‘Running cash notes’. These were made out in the name of the depositors and promised to pay him on demand. Many of these also carried the world ‘or bearer’ after the name of depositor which allowed the money to regulate in a restricted manner. The phrase ‘I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of ...’ still depicted on English Banknotes till date.

In 1694 the bank of England started issuing note in return of deposited. These notes were initially hand written in the start and was signed by the cashiers. Today all the British banknotes illustrates Chief Cashier’s signature. The smallest denomination was £ 50. Many people at that time have not seen these notes; the average annual income was less than £ 20.

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Image Courtesy: realbanknbotes