Bank Holiday Act 1871

The Bank Holiday Act of 1871 was legislation in the UK that established official public holidays, called bank holidays, to give workers predictable days off. It aimed to improve public well-being and leisure by designating specific days—initially permissible for banks and workplaces—to rest and participate in festivities or relaxation. The act helped standardize holiday observance across the country, laying the groundwork for modern public holidays. Over time, the list of bank holidays expanded and evolved, becoming an integral part of the UK’s holiday and employment calendar.