Article: Why Do the Clocks Go Back and Forward Each Year?
Why Do the Clocks Go Back and Forward Each Year?
Twice a year, we all do the same small ritual: we change the clocks. In spring, we push them forward; in autumn, we turn them back. Phones and laptops update themselves without fuss, but our trusty wall clocks and wristwatches still need a little nudge.
It’s a familiar habit, but have you ever stopped to wonder why we do it? The answer takes us from candlelight to wartime, and right into today’s debate about whether we should keep changing time at all.
A Bright Idea in the Dark
The concept of adjusting our clocks to make the most of daylight isn’t new. The idea was first floated in the late 18th century — Benjamin Franklin joked in 1784 that Parisians could save on candles if they got up earlier in summer.
But it wasn’t until the early 20th century that governments began to take the idea seriously. During the First World War, several countries introduced what we now call Daylight Saving Time as a way to conserve fuel and maximise daylight hours.
It returned in the Second World War and eventually became part of everyday life across much of Europe and beyond.
Why We Change the Clocks
The main aim is simple: to give us lighter evenings in summer and more usable daylight overall.
- Spring forward: In March, we move the clocks forward to extend evening light — perfect for after-work walks, outdoor dining, or a little extra sunshine in the garden.
- Fall back: In autumn, the clocks go back, returning us to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and giving us brighter mornings, even if the evenings draw in earlier.
Does It Still Make Sense Today?
While the origins were practical, the arguments for and against clock changes are still lively today.
The benefits:
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Longer, lighter evenings in summer
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A boost for tourism, retail, and leisure industries
- More opportunities to enjoy the outdoors after work or school
The drawbacks:
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Disrupted sleep patterns when the clocks shift
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Negative health effects for some, including tiredness and stress
- Scheduling confusion for travel and international meetings
Some countries have scrapped the practice altogether, while others continue to debate its future. For now, though, most of us in the UK will keep on “springing forward” and “falling back” each year.
How It Affects Everyday Life
These little one-hour changes can have a surprisingly big impact. We might feel jet-lagged for a few days, especially in spring when we lose an hour’s sleep.
In autumn, that “bonus” hour can feel like a gift — an extra lie-in, or just a slower start to the day.
It’s also a reminder that while our smartphones take care of the change automatically, our homes often don’t. The kitchen clock, the hallway centrepiece, or that mantelpiece favourite all need a manual update.
A Time to Refresh
The clock change isn’t just about shifting the hours — it’s also a chance to pause and reflect. Our interiors evolve with the seasons, and your clocks can too.
If your timepiece feels a little out of sync with your décor, this could be the perfect moment to bring something new into your home.
From bold modern statement pieces to classic designs, a clock can do more than tell the time — it can set the mood for your whole space.
In the End, Time Is Precious
Whether you love or loathe the clock change, it’s a twice-yearly reminder of how precious time really is. The ritual may feel small, but it connects us to a tradition that spans centuries, and it nudges us to savour the hours we have.
So this season, when you’re moving the hands of your clocks, why not take a moment to notice the time itself — and maybe refresh the way you keep it?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Clock Change
When do the clocks go back in the UK?
In the UK, the clocks go back by one hour on the last Sunday in October, marking the end of British Summer Time (BST). This returns us to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), giving us lighter mornings and darker evenings.
Why do the clocks change?
The clock change was introduced to make better use of natural daylight. Moving the clocks forward in spring gives us longer evenings, while moving them back in autumn brings brighter mornings. The idea dates back centuries and is still in practice across much of Europe today.
Do all countries change their clocks?
No. Some countries, like Japan and China, never adopted Daylight Saving Time. Others, like the United States and most of Europe, continue the practice. A few regions have even scrapped it altogether after debates about its usefulness.
How can I remember which way the clocks change?
The phrase “spring forward, fall back” is the easiest way to remember: clocks go forward one hour in spring, and back one hour in autumn.
Do I need to change all my clocks by hand?
Your smartphone and computer update automatically, but your wall clocks, kitchen clocks, and statement timepieces usually need adjusting manually. It’s a good reminder to check whether your clocks are still keeping perfect time — and the perfect moment to refresh your home with a new one.
