Bob's Blog - Friday 3 May 2025

Seriously interesting musings on all things brunch & beyond.

Sir John Lubbock - The man behind the movement

I know we all enjoy a good old Bank Holiday but have you ever thought about why they're called "Bank" holidays and when they came about? Well, even if you haven't, I've done the digging for you! Enjoy the weather everyone. Hopefully catch you at T&T over the weekend. We're open everyday 8.30am to 4pm.

Bank Holidays: Britain's Beloved Break from the Ordinary

There's something uniquely British about the term "Bank Holiday." While other countries call them public holidays, we Brits have our special terminology—and as with many British traditions, there's an interesting history behind it.

The Banking Origins

The term "Bank Holiday" dates back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, introduced by Liberal politician and banker Sir John Lubbock (later Lord Avebury). Before this act, the Bank of England observed about 33 saints' days and religious festivals, but the 1871 Act formally recognized just four holidays when banks could close: Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the first Monday in August, and Boxing Day.

The name is delightfully literal—they were holidays specifically for banks. When banks closed, other businesses followed suit, as financial transactions couldn't be processed. What began as a practical necessity evolved into a treasured national institution.

Sir John wasn't merely interested in giving bank employees time off. An enthusiastic amateur scientist (and entomologist), he was motivated by a desire to give working people more opportunities for recreation and cultural pursuits.

Evolution and Traditions

Today we enjoy eight Bank Holidays in England and Wales (with variations in Scotland and Northern Ireland). The May Day Bank Holiday, added in 1978, was the only new addition in the 20th century, while the most recent additions came with the Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation.

Bank Holidays have birthed several quintessentially British traditions:

The "Bank Holiday microclimate" is remarkably reliable—sunny weeks mysteriously transform into rainy long weekends with suspicious regularity.

The Bank Holiday beer garden scramble sees hopeful revelers rushing to claim the few sunny spots outside pubs when clouds briefly part.

Brunch has become the unofficial meal of Bank Holidays, perfectly timed for late risers enjoying a lie-in, often accompanied by a cheeky mimosa or Bloody Mary.

DIY disasters peak on these days off, with emergency plumbers preparing for inevitable panicked calls about home improvement projects gone wrong.

Traffic jams have become so synonymous with Bank Holidays that they're practically an official part of the celebration, transforming motorways into parking lots as city-dwellers decide en masse that it's the perfect day to visit the coast.

Modern Bank Holiday Pleasures

Today's Bank Holidays have evolved beyond their banking origins to become cherished breaks in our busy lives.

Meeting friends at a café for that languorous Bank Holiday brunch has become a modern tradition. There's something deliciously indulgent about savoring avocado toast on a Monday morning when you'd normally be answering emails.

Ice cream consumption reaches peaks during Bank Holidays regardless of weather—a defiant British response to rain clouds. Whether it's a traditional 99 Flake or an artisanal gelato, there's something about a Bank Holiday that demands ice cream, especially when enjoyed during a leisurely stroll in the park.

Independent shops and cultural attractions often have their busiest days during Bank Holidays, with many people using the extra time to explore local businesses and fulfill Sir John Lubbock's original vision of Bank Holidays as opportunities for enrichment.

The Value of Collective Pause

Economists have long debated the impact of Bank Holidays. While some studies suggest they cost billions in lost output, others indicate the boost to hospitality and tourism—not to mention the benefits of a well-rested workforce—more than compensate.

What's undeniable is that these breaks provide essential breathing space in our increasingly busy lives. In a world where technology keeps us perpetually connected to work, the enforced pause of a Bank Holiday serves as a collective reminder to step back and recharge.

As we mark each Bank Holiday in our calendars, we're participating in a tradition that's been part of British life for over 150 years. From Victorian banking halls to today's WhatsApp groups planning Bank Holiday brunches, these special days remain true to their purpose—giving people a well-deserved break.

Keywords: Bank Holidays UK, Bank Holiday origin, Sir John Lubbock, Bank Holidays Act 1871, Bank Holiday traditions, British holidays, Bank Holiday brunch, Bank Holiday weather, café culture, ice cream traditions, May Day Bank Holiday, British leisure time

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