Learning the clock when visiting London is essential. Generally, GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) applies during wintertime while British Summer Time (GMT+1) reigns supreme during the warmer seasons.
London’s history of time measurement can be divided into two sections, technological advances and social developments. Uncover how GMT, the Prime Meridian and more came about.
Big Ben
Big Ben is one of the world’s most iconic clocks. For over 100 years, its presence has been part of British culture and an icon. Its chimes can be heard broadcast live over BBC Radio; thousands gather at its tower every New Year’s Eve to witness it strike midnight!
The bell is large and features four clock faces each measuring over seven meters in width; it stands as the tallest clock tower in London. Its iconic sounds have become familiar across the world since 1923 when first broadcast – becoming part of TV news broadcasts around New Years Eve celebrations as an annual tradition for many people to tune in and hear the clock strike 12.
Big Ben may be world-famous, yet its history is marred by challenges. When construction began in 1859, delays and budget issues plagued its completion; its crew also failed to recognize that its tower could no longer hold the clock’s massive bell.
Workers hand wind this clock three times every week by hand to maintain its accuracy; the process takes over an hour. Its bell can be heard up to nine miles away and serves as a landmark of the city.
In fact, its significance was so great that during World War I and London’s blackout during World War II the clock remained darkened in order to prevent enemy aircraft using it to target London buildings.
“Big Ben Clock” is an immensely popular song sung about this iconic clock, believed to have been inspired by its long, melodious tones that can be heard miles away. While no author of the song has been identified, several artists have covered it over time.
Greenwich Mean Time
Many consider the Royal Observatory to be at the centre of time, known as Greenwich Mean Time as it serves as the basis of most international time zones and clocks and radios across the world.
GMT was initially developed to assist travelers as travel became more widespread. In the 17th century, significant effort was expended in creating accurate maps for sailors using them on their voyages; this was particularly vital considering it was still relatively risky to sail outside of European shorelines.
At the turn of the 19th century, it had become increasingly important to establish an international time standard, due to the expansion of infrastructure such as public transport and communication networks. 72% of world commerce was dependent on sea charts using GMT as its standard time.
At this point, John Flamsteed proposed the idea of converting solar time to clock time; this later became Greenwich Mean Time or GMT after its namesake Royal Observatory designed by Christopher Wren in Greenwich, England. An international conference then recommended Greenwich be chosen as its Prime Meridian of the World.
However, the decision was not without controversy: France abstained from voting and continued using its own meridian at Paris until 1911. Scholars began to recognize at this time that industrialization didn’t necessarily lead to the obliteration of spatial differences in time perception (Thrift 1981; Pawson 1992).
At present, most countries and territories worldwide abide by GMT. The only notable exceptions include countries that maintain their own standards based on solar year – for instance Canada (Time Definition Act R.S.C 1985 c 35(1)) and India (4 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT). Furthermore, some provinces in Canada utilize Daylight Saving Time during summer months.
Daylight Saving Time
British Summer Time (BST), giving more daylight into evening hours, starts in March and continues through October before reverting back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) again at 2am by Palace of Westminster clockmakers. The changing of clocks itself provides a wonderful spectacle and spectacle is ensured throughout.
William Willett first introduced the idea of changing clocks for extra daylight during summer as an energy saving measure in 1907. He believed advancing clocks would prevent people from having to get up so early, making better use of daylight hours while saving energy by decreasing artificial lighting needs.
However, many studies have demonstrated no proof of DST saving energy and there are concerns that changing clocks could disrupt sleep patterns resulting in health complications. While Japan and India do not observe DST as part of their annual calendars, Australia cannot agree whether they should or not.
British clock-change tradition was formalised with the Summer Time Act of 1916. Under that statute, clocks would change on the last Sunday in March until October, except on Lord Howe which observes double summer time (GMT +2 hours).
Recent YouGov poll results[25] indicate that 40% of respondents prefer an end to daylight saving time (DST), yet similar polling in the US[26] revealed that most prefer its continuation.
The UK currently belongs to the European Union, which has not taken a definitive stance on DST repeal. A European Parliament report recommends harmonization across time zone policies across EU member countries; this has yet to be put in effect.
Understanding why and how the clocks change twice annually may seem complicated at first, but by learning about its history you’ll gain more of an appreciation of why this procedure must occur and its mechanisms. Visit Royal Observatory Greenwich to gain more knowledge on time’s history through various timekeeping artefacts throughout time; stand on Prime Meridian Line dividing Eastern from Western hemispheres for even greater perspective!
Traditions
Travelers visiting London should be mindful of its rich culture and traditions when making plans for a trip there. There are museums, art galleries and music venues throughout London as well as buildings with historic significance; Greenwich was home to both royal palace and observatory until 1667 when Greenwich Observatory pioneered the use of telescopes to produce accurate maps for navigation purposes – now visitors can enjoy it free!
City events in Amsterdam range from street fairs and festivals, to parades and celebrations of Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas; others, such as Guy Fawkes Night commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 with bonfires and fireworks displays, are celebrated year round.
Many English people adhere to a traditional diet consisting of meat, fish and vegetables. As time passed and new ingredients and dishes from immigrants were added into the mix, their cuisine evolved further leading to fast food restaurants opening and more cookbooks being published.
Tradition also calls for afternoon tea, usually served around four or five o’clock in the afternoon and often enjoyed among family, friends, and colleagues. High tea was once reserved exclusively for wealthy individuals but has become a social event among working class families as well.
London is home to an abundance of churches, such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and features many choirs ranging from small church choirs to the London Symphony Chorus that perform at various events or can even offer private concerts. Additionally, cultural and literary events take place throughout the year offering opportunities to learn about British history and culture while meeting people from other nations.