1 Pound - George V Treasury issue, 1st series

The first British government paper pound in over a century, rushed into existence in August 1914 to prevent a run on gold coin as war mobilization created panic withdrawals. The enabling legislation — the Currency and Bank Notes Act — passed on 5 August, and printed notes were in public hands within days. The speed was remarkable; the preparation was not. Early sheets showed misaligned serial numbers and inconsistent perforation, and the thin paper used in this first series was ill-suited to heavy handling.

Bradbury's signature gave these their enduring nickname. "Bradburys" remained in common use long after the series was replaced.