William Willett, son of Farnham, Surrey, and born on August 10, 1856, was Britain’s finest builder and, in his time, British Summer Time savior. But this great fellow can only be recalled for his idea—dawn—its concept that underwent a metamorphosis within human thought patterns as well as usage.
Childhood and Learning
He attended the Philological School. Having eventually apprenticed, after gaining some commerce, Willett began in his father’s company—now Willett Building Services—soon gaining an excellent reputation for quality houses in the wonderful locations of London and southeast England. Chelsea to Hove with a cheeky injection from Derwent House, much of life at Chislehurst, Kent. It was on a horseback ride one morning through Petts Wood that the inspiration came for British Summer Time. Here, many houses still had their blinds closed and were losing daylight.
History
Although Benjamin Franklin’s lighthearted satire in 1784 and ancient civilizations had earlier references, Willett’s modern innovation was important. His plan for Daylight Saving Time was much better organized and more comprehensive than any proposals that had come before. Willett proposes clocks advanced by 80 minutes in four incremental steps in April and reversed in September, maximizing daylight hours in the evening.
Advocacy and Implementation
He wrote the pamphlet “The Waste of Daylight” in 1907. Therein, he presented his proposals about saving daylight by moving the clocks. Willett advocated DST using his own money and also campaigned for the cause despite facing opposition from several sides. In 1908, he could convince Member of Parliament Robert Pearce. Robert Pearce went on to introduce the proposal to the British Parliament without ever achieving any success.
Winston Churchill briefly supported it too, but in 1909, it was put on the agenda by a parliamentary select committee, and there was no proper action taken about it either. However, the start of World War I made energy conservation, especially with coal, essential; hence, by 1916, the bill finally became law under the Defense of the Realm Act. The clocks advanced one hour on 21 May 1916, and this became British Summer Time, although Willett was not around to see it turn into law.
Legacy and Commemoration
William Willett died of pneumonia on 4 March 1915 at the age of 58. Despite dying much earlier than he would have wished, his legacy is left in many ways. There is a memorial sundial permanently mounted on DST in Petts Wood to commemorate him. The second one is the Daylight Inn located in Petts Wood, and the third, the Willett Way in Chislehurst, bears his name; lastly, he has a house with a blue plaque. He is buried in St. Nicholas’ Churchyard, Chislehurst, and his family memorial is in the churchyard of St. Wulfran’s Church, Ovingdean, Brighton, and Hove.
Freemasonry
William Willett was a Freemason and was initiated to Camden Place Lodge on November 1, 1906.
Family
He was married twice. The first time was to Maria Mills in 1879, whom he had seven children with. In 1910, he was married to Florence Strickland, with whom he had one daughter. His legacy is in his family, and John Willett, who has translated the works of Bertolt Brecht, and Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, a great-great-grandson of William Willett.
What did William Willett contribute to history?
There is a man named William Willett credited with the concept of British Summer Time, suggesting that clocks should be advanced in summer to make the most out of daylight.
When was the British Summer Time enacted?
The British Summer Time was enacted on 21 May 1916 under the Defence of the Realm Act during World War I.
Why did Willett propose daylight saving time?
According to Willett, it would save the energy spent on artificial lighting in the evenings by moving the clocks forward and making more use of daylight during the evenings for leisure activities.
Was Benjamin Franklin the inventor of DST?
Franklin had proposed getting up earlier when daylight was available. However, it was a much more elaborate plan by William Willett that gave rise to the modern version of DST.
What Was the Motive of William Willett for the DST?
No, William Willett died in 1915, before Britain formally adopted DST in 1916.
Where is William Willett celebrated?
He is celebrated with a memorial sundial set to DST at Petts Wood, a road named Willett Way, The Daylight Inn at Petts Wood, and a blue plaque outside his former house in Chislehurst.
Was Willett a Freemason?
Yes, William Willett was initiated into Camden Place Lodge on November 1, 1906.
What influence did World War I have on the adoption of DST?
Pressure to save energy during the war, particularly saving coal, accelerated the adoption of British Summer Time. It became an important wartime measure.
How much daylight did Willett want to save?
He recommended moving the clocks forward by 80 minutes in four 20-minute steps. This would have conserved the evenings for recreation and saved lighting bills of around £2.5 million.