Why do we put the clock forward / back at 2 a.m. ??

Why do we put the clock forward / back at 2 a.m...

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Having a conversation this afternoon...

Does anybody know why we put the clocks back / forward at 2 a.m - why not midnight ??

brian perry

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By Richard Willis
31st Oct 2005 22:43

No confusion over the day!
Hi Brian

The reason that I have always understood to be correct is that by moving the clocks well into the day there can be absolutely no doubt as to what day it is at any particular time.

Imagine the scenario where, for instance, somebody either gained or lost a vast fortune unless they completed some task by the end of a certain day, and this day was the eve of the clocks going back. By 23.59.59 the task has not been completed: However if the clocks went back at midnight the beneficiary or loser would miraculously gain another hour in which to complete and an army of lawyers would make a fortune, almost as large as the one to be gained or lost, arguing about whether or not the task had been completed.

This also applies particularly with regard to on exactly which day somebody was born, should this be of particular legal importance. For instance years ago it was not uncommon for rich families to bestow fortunes on their offspring on marriage on condition that they had a child within a certain time.

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By NeilW
31st Oct 2005 16:47

Pedantic point
Technically the clocks in the UK change at 1am GMT on the respective dates, not 2am.

The yanks use 2am.

NeilW

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By spike418
31st Oct 2005 16:49

Not sure but
Always wanted an answer to this one as well!

I think origins lost in the mists of time but is probably due to the bars already being closed (hmmmm?) and less trains to disrupt?

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