Beloved writer Jane Austen will replace author and naturalist Charles Darwin on the UK’s £10 note in 2017.
Bank of England governor Mark Carney had this statement:
Jane Austen certainly merits a place in the select group of historical figures to appear on our banknotes. Her novels have an enduring and universal appeal and she is recognised as one of the greatest writers in English literature. As Austen joins Adam Smith, Boulton and Watt, and in future, Churchill, our notes will celebrate a diverse range of individuals who have contributed in a wide range of fields.
Sir Mervyn King, the outgoing governor of the Bank of England, said that the novelist had been the top choice for the note. However, his successor will have to make the final decision. BBC News has more:
If Jane Austen is confirmed as the next face of the £10 note, she will become only the third woman to be featured on UK banknotes – apart from the Queen – following Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Fry.
What author would you like to see printed on money?
Earlier this year, Austen’s Pride & Prejudice turned 200 years old. Follow this link to download free eBook editions of Austen’s novels.
Editor’s Note: This post was updated as the story evolved.