Clocks in the UK are set to change as the country moves to Daylight Saving Time this week. This transition marks the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the start of darker mornings and evenings as winter approaches. However, turning the clocks back also means that we gain an extra hour of sunlight in the morning and an extra hour of sleep on the day of the change.
On Sunday, 27 October, at 2am, the clocks will “fall back” one hour. Looking ahead, on 30 March 2025 at 1am, the clocks will “spring forward” by one hour. This annual adjustment occurs on the last Sunday of October, shifting the UK from BST to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Smartphones and devices with automatic updates should reflect the time change seamlessly in the early morning hours. The previous change occurred on Sunday, 26 March, ushering in British Summer Time.
The tradition of changing clocks stems from the need to maximise sunlight during waking hours. After the summer solstice in June, days grow shorter, prompting the adjustment to ensure more daylight in the morning. Conversely, moving clocks forward in spring extends the light into the evening hours.
The concept of Daylight Saving Time dates back to the Summer Time Act of 1916, inspired by William Willett’s proposal. Willett advocated for adjusting clocks to allow people to utilise more daylight and conserve energy. Despite his passing in 1915, his idea was adopted a year later during World War I to alleviate coal demand.
Though Willett popularised the concept, others had similar notions centuries prior. In 1784, Benjamin Franklin suggested a similar idea in a letter, aiming to save on candle usage by synchronising waking hours with natural light. Even the ancient Romans practised variations of daylight timekeeping for efficiency.
As the UK transitions to Daylight Saving Time once again, the familiar ritual prompts reflection on the origins and benefits of adjusting clocks. By embracing this tradition, individuals can make the most of daylight hours and adapt to the changing seasons seamlessly.