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Clocks go back as Greenwich Mean Time returns
Adjusting the clocks at the Measuring Time gallery at the Science Museum can be a lengthy process
Most people in the UK have had an extra hour in bed, as clocks went back to mark the return of Greenwich Mean Time.
At 02:00 on Sunday, clocks went back to 01:00 as British Summer Time ended.
It means darker evenings until they are put forward again next year.
The Science Museum in London has more than 500 timepieces in its Measuring Time gallery and the end of British Summer Time means the 35 clocks still in working order will be changed.
"It is quite a difficult job and requires specialist skills," said Science Museum's conservator Richard Horton, who is overseeing the process.
The Wells Cathedral Clock - the second oldest surviving clock in England and the third oldest in the world, dating from 1392 - involves very specific challenges.
The clock is adjusted to GMT in a 20-minute process during which it is advanced by 11 hours.
A wide range of timekeeping devices are on display at the museum, from sand-glasses to water clocks and sundials to wristwatches.
Andrew Nahum, a senior curator at the museum, said the time adjustments twice a year represent "an intriguing part of national life".
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Comment number 167.
Haggistrap28th October 2012 - 11:46
I am old enough to remember the last experiment and in December in Glasgow it was still pitch dark at 8.30am when most people are on their way to work and school. Quite scary having children crossing the road in the dark in the morning. As it gets dark from 3.00pm, 1 hour either way makes less difference on way home.
I think a lot of people are not fully alert early on but are later in the day.
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Comment number 165.
JamesStGeorge28th October 2012 - 11:45
There should only be GMT. Natural time. Everyone wanting to work at different times of that day should be the ones to alter their lives to fit it. How hard is it to get up an hour earlier/later without the clock moved! You are a rarity and want to deal with those in other time zones, you adjust, not all of us! Gov and shops could change opening hours seasonally not move the clock. Sense.
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Comment number 134.
GrumpyMungo28th October 2012 - 10:58
Don't have a problem with it. It is our heritage and we should be proud to hang on to some remnants of a better age. Who really wants to be on European time. We have enough problems being part of the EU without further integration!
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Comment number 115.
Knut Largerson28th October 2012 - 10:39
Anyone who thinks time adjustments are "an intriguing part of national life" is entitled to their opinion.
But I am not intrigued by the minor inconvenience of shuffling round the place resetting times. Nor do I think it is an important National event.
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Comment number 66.
OMG28th October 2012 - 9:57
If we must change the clocks twice a year why can't we synchronise with Europe it would make it a lot easier when travelling to and from Europe and communicating with our partners in Europe.
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Comments 5 of 9