ABSTRACT
Samuel Johnson, Dictionary, 1773 What did the calendar reform of 1752 actually do? It is probably true to say that no-
one has ever thoroughly understood it, either at the time or since, yet understood it must be if its impact is to be appreciated.1 This chapter explains how the change was made. It focuses mainly on the educated and trading classes. Chapter 10 looks at the impact of the reform on the calendar of fairs and festivals, focusing mainly on the lower orders. It will be argued that the change was perceived differently by the numerate and the innumerate. Firstly the adjustment to the change of date will be considered; this was the straightforward and successful bit, although there were significant anomalies and inconsistencies, particularly with royal anniversaries and regnal years. Secondly, the provisions for financial and property affairs will be examined. Here, things were less straightforward, and there were some short-lived confusions and some long-lasting anomalies. The various aspects of the calendar were interdependent, so no clear division of the impact of reform is possible.
