1976 Ulster Bank £1 Note – A Portrait of Northern Ireland’s Landscape & Heritage (P‑325b)
The 1976 Ulster Bank £1 banknote is a beautifully engraved piece of Northern Ireland’s monetary history, capturing the region’s rural charm, maritime heritage, and iconic natural landmarks. Issued during the early decades of decimalisation, this note reflects the traditional artistry of Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., one of the most respected banknote printers of the 20th century.
Historical Context
Between 1971 and 1976, Ulster Bank produced a series of £1 notes that blended classical banknote design with distinctly Northern Irish imagery. These notes circulated widely across the province before being fully withdrawn and demonetized, making surviving examples increasingly desirable among collectors of British and Irish currency.
This period also marked a transitional era in UK banking, where regional banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland continued issuing their own notes — a tradition that remains unique within the United Kingdom.
Key Features & Specifications
Issuer: Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)
Issuing Bank: Ulster Bank
Type: Standard circulation banknote
Years of Issue: 1971–1976
Value: 1 Pound (GBP)
Currency: Pound sterling (1929–present)
Composition: Paper
Size: 135 × 67 mm
Shape: Rectangular
Demonetized: Yes
References: P‑325, BYB# 806
Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., UK
Design Elements
Obverse
The front of the note presents a charming triptych of Northern Irish scenery:
Rural farmland at the lower left, symbolising the agricultural backbone of the region
A port and bridge at the lower centre, reflecting Northern Ireland’s maritime trade and industrial heritage
The Giant’s Causeway at the lower right, one of the island’s most iconic natural wonders
Lettering includes:
ULSTER BANK LIMITED
PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND ONE POUND
AT HEAD OFFICE BELFAST
The layout is classic, balanced, and unmistakably Ulster Bank — a style that collectors instantly recognise.
Reverse
The reverse features:
The Ulster Bank coat of arms at centre
Provincial arms in each corner
The Latin motto “NIHIL IMPOSSIBILE ERIT VOBIS” — “Nothing will be impossible for you”
This heraldic composition reinforces the bank’s identity and its deep roots in Northern Irish civic life.
Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This note is especially appealing for collectors interested in:
Northern Irish banknote history
Pre‑polymer British currency
Bradbury Wilkinson engravings
Regional UK banknote issues
It also makes a thoughtful gift for:
Irish diaspora families
Collectors of heraldic or landscape‑themed notes
Students of British banking history
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1976 Ulster Bank £1 (P‑325b) is a charming blend of artistry, regional identity, and historical significance. Its detailed engravings, iconic imagery, and now‑demonetized status make it a standout piece in any UK or Commonwealth banknote collection — a small denomination with big cultural resonance.
