Royal Observatory commemorates William Willett

By David Rooney, Curator of Timekeeping, Royal Observatory, Greenwich

Petts Wood and Chislehurst have long recognised the importance of one of their most innovative 'adopted sons', William Willett, who originated the concept of Daylight Saving Time exactly 100 years ago. Willett's scheme, which today sees much of the world's population shifting their clocks and watches every spring and autumn to make better use of evening daylight, was first proposed in his polemic pamphlet, 'The Waste of Daylight', first published in 1907. By the time of his death in 1915, Willett had expanded and enlarged his booklet over a staggering 19 editions, as his proposals and public relations developed.

Despite Willett's tireless campaigning in the years following his 1907 publication, and despite the backing of prominent figures such as Winston Churchill, his scheme was destined not to see the light of day until 1916, half-way through the First World War and after Willett's death, when Germany, Britain and other warring states implemented the clock-shifting scheme as a way to save precious fuel. Before long, 'daylight saving' had become an established – though always controversial – practice around the world. Today, it remains controversial, with proponents arguing for double summer time and opponents offering softer alternatives to the regular shifting of every minute hand in the country.

Residents of Petts Wood will know Willett Way, Willett Close and the Willett Recreation Ground. All were named in honour of the champion of daylight, who was by profession a noted house-builder. The Willett Memorial in Willett Wood, part of the National Trust woodland, offers a sundial permanently set to British Summer Time, and those familiar with Chislehurst's sights will know of The Cedars, built by Willett in the late-nineteenth century and his home for many years until his untimely death. He is buried in the church nearby. The houses he built in Camden Park Road still command the highest prices.

Willett, a keen horse-rider, used to ride daily from The Cedars towards Petts Wood. Legend has it that it was during these rides, along the Petts Wood Bridle Path preserved today by the National Trust, that Willett had the idea of changing the clocks to encourage people out of their beds one hour earlier in summer so as not to 'waste daylight.' It is said that he noticed the shutters of local homes firmly closed first thing in the summer mornings, even though the sun had been up for hours – and felt that by rising early, residents could make better use of the daylight in the evenings.

Willett stated, "Everyone appreciates the long light evenings. Everyone laments their shrinkage as the days grow shorter, and nearly everyone has given utterance to a regret that the clear bright light of early morning, during Spring and Summer months, is so seldom seen or used." Yet there was not such unequivocal support for his proposals to 'shift daylight' by changing the clocks.

To mark the centenary of Willett's plans, the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, is mounting a special exhibition about Willett and British Summer Time. It opens, appropriately enough, at the end of March, when the clocks go forward, and closes after the clocks return to Greenwich Mean Time at the end of October. Visitors to the free exhibition – which is one of a series of temporary exhibits to accompany the award-winning permanent 'Time Galleries' – can find out more about the century of disagreement and discord that has followed Willett's 1907 plans.

The exhibition will include a selection of newspaper cartoons spanning the whole 100 years, offering a glimpse into the public and media reactions to daylight saving plans. Newly-discovered images of Willett himself will be reproduced, including a rare photograph of a William Willett wax figure, displayed at Madame Tussauds in the 1930s and melted down soon after; an oil portrait of Willett commissioned by Chelsea council after his death; and photographs taken by Sir Benjamin Stone, founder of the National Photographic Record Association, in 1909 on the steps of the Houses of Parliament. Vintage newsreel and radio footage will present Petts Wood and Daylight Saving Time as it was discussed in the news theatres and on the BBC.

To accompany the Greenwich exhibit, and to explore the rich history in the Bromley area, the exhibition's curator, David Rooney, has put together a self-guided walk through Willett-land, entitled 'Walking the Willett Way' – a three-hour amble around the key sights and spots that make up the story of Willett's life and work. A separate walk takes in the area around Sloane Square, home to Willett's building company headquarters and many examples of his fine buildings. Research articles will be published over the next couple of years examining in detail the circumstances of Willett's scheme and its effects after his death.

But perhaps the last word should go to Winston Churchill, ardent supporter of Willett's scheme, who stated in London's Guildhall in 1911, "An extra yawn some morning in the spring, an extra snooze some night in the autumn, is all we ask in return for the most dazzling benefits. We borrow an hour in April; we promise to pay it back with golden compound interest six months later."