Home   Kent   News   Article

Why do the clocks go forward in spring?

It's that time of the year again where we lose an hour in bed as clocks go forward, but say hello to more daylight hours.

Clocks go forward by one hour this weekend at 1am on Sunday, March 26.

Most smart phones do this automatically - but it's worth checking so you don't find yourself an hour behind everyone else come Sunday morning!

Daffodils in Kent
Daffodils in Kent

It marks of the start of British Summer Time and Daylight Saving Time, which means longer days and shorter nights, and is even said to save energy.

It's just one of the ways we know spring has sprung, along with these other five:

  • The weather simply can't make up its mind - one day it's bright sunshine and quite warm, the next everyone's wrapped up because it's just so cold.
  • Daffodils - everywhere! Whether you're out walking the dog or driving through the countryside, it's easy to notice the abundance of daffodils springing up around Kent this time of the year. It's one of the biggest tell-tale signs that spring is here.
  • The Easter bunny is on its way. It might seem as if Easter eggs have been on the shelves since Christmas, but you can now officially gorge on them.
  • Blossom. A sure marker of spring is when some fruit trees, including cherry trees, start to blossom and it's a welcome sign for many as although often short-lived, it is a beautiful sight.
  • Shops become a hotch potch of clothes styles. For a short while you snap up a random mix of bikinis and beaney hats.
Don't forget to put your clock forward this weekend. Picture: GettyImages
Don't forget to put your clock forward this weekend. Picture: GettyImages

But why do the clocks go forward and what is Daylight Saving Time?

The idea was first suggested by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 in an essay titled An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light.

But it wasn't until 1907 the a man called William Willett introduced the concept of British Summertime/ Daylight Saving Time and suggested clocks going backwards/ forwards, as measure to save on lighting costs and increase daylight recreation hours.

Willett died just over a year before the Summer Time Act was passed in 1916.

Germany had adopted the clock changing idea just a month before on April 30.

Having been at war for nearly two years, it seemed an opportunity to try to take pressure off of the economy.

But if you're not a warm weather fan and wish winter would come sooner, clocks will be going back on Sunday, October 29 at 2am.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More