Bank holidays have been recognized in English Law since 1871. The name "Bank Holiday" derives from the fact that the Banks were shut and so no trading could take place. Even though banks are still closed on these days many shops now remain open. Traditionally on a Bank Holiday many businesses are closed to enable the workers to have a holiday, and anyone who does work on a Bank Holidays usually gets paid extra - "time-and-a-half" or even "double time," negotiated for them by the Trades Unions.

In England and Wales there are six official bank holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, May Day (not necessarily May 1st), Spring and Late Summer Holidays at the end of May and August respectively, and Boxing Day. There are also two common law holidays on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Guy Fawkes' Day has been celebrated by Parliamentary Decree since 1606 but it is not a Bank or public holiday.

Scotland has ten public holidays: New Year's Day, January 2nd, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day (not necessarily May 1st), Spring and Summer Holidays at the end of May and the beginning of August respectively, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, plus since 2007, St Andrew's Day.

In Northern Ireland there are seven bank holidays: New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day (March 17th), Easter Monday, May Day (not necessarily May 1st), Spring and Late Summer Holidays at the end of May and August respectively, and Boxing Day. There are also two common law holidays on Good Friday and Christmas Day and a public holiday on the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne (July 12th).

When bank or public holidays fall on a weekend there is a holiday in lieu of those holidays - thus, if Christmas Day is on a Saturday, Boxing Day will be on a Sunday and so the following Monday and Tuesday will be Bank Holidays. Shops, museums and other public attractions, such as historic houses and sports centres, may close on certain public holidays, particularly Christmas Day, but are usually open on most other Bank Holidays.

For a list of Bank Holiday Dates for the years 2009 - 2011 inclusive, including variations for Scotland and Northern Ireland, click here.

HOME | SITE MAP | CALENDAR | RECIPES | CLIPART | CRAFT IDEAS | WEBRINGS