Holidays in Britain

 The days when most people don't go to work are called common law holidays, bank holidays and public holidays.

Before 1834 a lot of religious festivals were celebrated, but in 1834 only four were left: 1 May, 1 November, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

In 1871 the name "bank holidays" first appeared. Banks were closed and all people had a day off.

Public holidays were added to the calendar from 1903.

If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is usually celebrated on the next working day, called substitute public holiday. 

Some royal celebrations were made extra bank holidays.