DAYLIGHT SAVING

See Also: LIGHTING; NIGHT; TIMEPIECES; MENU

Britain s northern latitude means that it enjoys long days during summer and has short ones during winter. Clocks are put forward by an hour in late March, whenupon British Summer Time (B.S.T.) begins, and back by an hour in early October.

The first serious proposal for British Summer Time was mooted by William Willett, a Chelsea builder, in his book The Waste of Daylight (1907). In 1916, during the First World War, clocks were put forward by an hour for the first time. The Daylight Saving Act of 1925 established the present-day clock altering practice. However, from time to time there is still public debate on the issue.

Location: Willett House, 3-6 Sloane Square, SW1W 8AN (purple, turquoise)

Website: www.gov.uk/when-do-the-clocks-change http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petts-wood-and-hawkwood/features/william-willett-paves-the-way-for-british-summer-time-at-petts-wood-and-hawkwood

David Backhouse 2024