28/07/2020: Ethereum 2.0 Testnet Launch
The Beacon Chain, the first phase of Ethereum 2.0, goes live on a public testnet, marking a significant step towards the transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.
20/07/2017: Ethereum Hard Forks: Byzantium
The Ethereum network undergoes a hard fork upgrade named Byzantium, implementing various improvements to enhance scalability, privacy, and security.
23/06/2016: Brexit Referendum
The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, causing significant uncertainty and volatility in the pound sterling's value.
17/06/2016: The DAO Hack
The Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), built on the Ethereum platform, suffers a major security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately 3.6 million ETH tokens.
30/07/2015: Ethereum Mainnet Launched
The Ethereum mainnet is released, enabling developers around the world to build and deploy decentralized applications on the Ethereum blockchain.
30/07/2013: Ethereum Whitepaper Published
Vitalik Buterin publishes the Ethereum whitepaper, outlining a new blockchain platform designed to support decentralized applications and smart contracts.
03/01/2009: Bitcoin Genesis Block Created
The first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the Genesis Block, is mined by Satoshi Nakamoto, marking the birth of the Bitcoin network.
31/10/2008: Bitcoin Whitepaper Published
Satoshi Nakamoto releases a whitepaper titled 'Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,' introducing the concept of a decentralized digital currency.
31/12/1999: Establishment of the Euro
The euro was introduced as an electronic currency, paving the way for the eventual replacement of some national currencies, including the pound.
16/09/1992: Black Wednesday
The pound sterling experienced a severe drop in value and the UK was forced to withdraw from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM).
14/02/1971: Decimalization of the Pound
The pound sterling was decimalized, with the old system of pounds, shillings and pence replaced by a decimal currency.
06/12/1921: Currency Separation with Ireland
Following the Anglo-Irish Treaty, Ireland left the United Kingdom and established its own currency, leading to separate pound sterling notes.
21/12/1816: Gold Standard Introduced
The pound sterling was officially placed on the gold standard, meaning it was backed by a fixed amount of gold.
27/07/1694: Bank of England Established
The Bank of England was founded and granted a royal charter, becoming the central bank of England.