What’s a Bank Holiday, Anyway?
Ever wondered why they’re called Bank Holidays—or why you’re suddenly seeing Public Holidays in your calendar?
In this episode of Payments:Unpacked, we dive into the surprisingly fascinating history of the UK’s most beloved days off.
From the Victorian-era beginnings of the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, to the rise of the more inclusive term “Public Holiday,” we explore how a few official Mondays off became part of the national rhythm.
You’ll learn:
Who Sir John Lubbock was and why UK bankers should probably have his portrait up in the office
Why not all “Bank Holidays” are created equal
How different regions of the UK celebrate differently
And why these days off are more than just long weekends—they’re cultural touchpoints
So whether you’re tuning in from a picnic blanket, a motorway queue, or the office (oops), hit play and find out what a Bank Holiday really is—and how it came to be.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a fellow holiday lover.
Because knowledge, like Bank Holidays, is better when shared.
Subscribe
Issue 716: 23 May 2025
Share this post