As the days grow shorter and the weekend approaches, it’s that time of year when we prepare to “fall back” and adjust our clocks. This ritual happens twice a year—once in March when we “spring forward,” and again in October when we “fall back”—but have you ever wondered why we even bother changing the time?

In this article, we’ll explore the history of daylight saving time (DST) and discuss the fascinating three-year period during which Britain experimented with a permanent shift in timekeeping. We’ll delve into the impacts this had on the nation, the debates that followed, and whether it’s time to revisit this idea today.

Why Do We Change the Clocks?

The tradition of moving the clocks twice a year can be traced back to a man named William Willett. In 1907, Willett, a British builder, became frustrated by the waste of daylight during the summer mornings when many people were still asleep. He proposed the idea of moving the clocks forward by an hour in the summer to make better use of the daylight hours. Willett even published a pamphlet advocating for this change.

The clocks change on the last Sunday in October (**Getty Stock Photo**)

Despite his efforts, it wasn’t until World War I that the idea gained traction. Countries, particularly those involved in the war, were eager to conserve energy, especially coal. It was believed that moving the clocks would reduce the need for artificial lighting during the evenings. Germany and Austria-Hungary were the first to adopt this change in 1916, and shortly after, the UK followed suit.

Related Article: How Daylight Saving Time Was Adopted Around the World

Britain’s Bold Experiment: British Double Summer Time (BDST)

Although daylight saving time became a regular feature of life in the UK, there were a few key moments in history when the rules were adjusted. One of the most significant of these was British Double Summer Time (BDST), which lasted from 1941 to 1945.

During World War II, the UK adopted BDST, which meant the clocks were put forward by two hours rather than just one. This change was intended to maximize daylight and save energy, much like the initial motivation behind the first adoption of DST. For the duration of the war, Britain operated on a time zone that was two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), allowing people to make the most of daylight after work or school hours.

While this measure made sense during the war, it was not without its controversies. The move had far-reaching effects on various aspects of daily life. For example, in the winter months, people found themselves dealing with a much darker start to their day. But it was the aftermath of World War II that led to another major shift in British timekeeping.

Related Article: How World War II Changed Our Timekeeping

The 1968 Experiment: British Standard Time

After the war, Britain found itself questioning whether the changes made during wartime were still relevant. In 1968, the UK conducted another bold experiment: British Standard Time (BST), which was essentially a return to moving the clocks forward but without putting them back in the fall. This meant that the UK operated on a time zone that was effectively one hour ahead of GMT for three consecutive years.

The government hoped that this change would improve productivity, boost economic growth, and reduce the number of road accidents by extending daylight hours in the evening. However, the experiment did not go as planned.

One major concern was the increase in accidents during the winter mornings when it was still dark until much later in the day. The Department of Transport conducted an analysis during the experiment, and it was revealed that there was a noticeable rise in the number of accidents during dark mornings. Despite some initial confusion about the influence of drink-driving laws, the department later re-evaluated the data and concluded that the risks were higher for those commuting in the dark.

Don’t forget to change your clocks (**Getty Stock Photo**)

Source: BBC’s Analysis of the 1968 BST Experiment

The Public Debate: Why Did Britain Abandon the Experiment?

By 1971, British Standard Time was officially scrapped after a heated debate in parliament. The vote was clear, with 366 MPs voting in favor of reversing the change and 81 voting to keep it. The main concern was that while the extended evening daylight was enjoyed by many in the south of England, the effects in the north—particularly in Scotland—were far more detrimental.

In the far north, for instance, during winter months, the sun wouldn’t rise until 10:00 am or later. This posed a major challenge, especially for children who had to travel to school in the dark, increasing safety concerns. Additionally, the social and economic disadvantages were felt more acutely in areas farther north, where the days are shorter in winter.

The failure of the experiment, along with the logistical problems it created, led to the restoration of the previous system in October 1971.

Learn More: Why British Standard Time Failed

Should Britain Reintroduce Double Summer Time?

The issue of changing the clocks continues to be debated even today. Many argue that daylight saving time should be scrapped entirely, pointing out that the shift in time can disrupt sleep patterns and affect our health. Others argue that it still offers significant benefits, including a longer evening, which encourages outdoor activities and increases energy efficiency.

Interestingly, there are still calls for the return of British Double Summer Time, where the clocks would be kept two hours ahead of GMT permanently, even in winter. Campaigners argue that this would save energy, boost productivity, and give people more daylight in the evenings to enjoy outdoor activities.

However, opponents of this idea point out that the change could cause significant problems in the north, where winter days are already much shorter. The Scottish government, for instance, has historically opposed any attempt to extend the daylight hours artificially, citing concerns about children traveling to school in the dark and the broader social impacts.

You’ll get an extra hour in bed (**Getty Stock Photo**)

Explore the Pros and Cons of Daylight Saving Time: Is Daylight Saving Time a Blessing or a Curse?

The Future of Timekeeping in the UK

So, what does the future hold for timekeeping in the UK? While some people continue to campaign for a permanent shift to British Summer Time, it seems unlikely that any significant changes will be made in the near future. The current system of changing the clocks twice a year remains in place, although there are still occasional debates in parliament about whether it’s time to make a permanent switch.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the history of Britain’s time experiments is that no solution is perfect. Whether it’s the controversial changes made during the war or the debates over BST, we’ve seen that any shift in timekeeping has complex and far-reaching consequences.

Related Read: The Global Debate on Daylight Saving Time

Conclusion: A Time for Reflection?

The experiment with changing the clocks has sparked debate for over a century, and it shows no signs of slowing down. As we prepare to change our clocks once again this year, it’s a good time to reflect on the long history of time experiments, the impacts of daylight saving time, and whether the benefits truly outweigh the drawbacks. One thing is certain: time will continue to be a subject of debate for many years to come.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images