27/08/2026
They say that procrastination is the thief of time - and, actaully, they're right - but did you know that one of Britain's former prime ministers gave procrastination a run for it's money back in 1797?
Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger needed to raise revenue, and we're talking A LOT of revenue, to fund the ongoing Napoleonic Wars. With taxes already in place on windows, candles, hats, and wigs the goverrment had to become more and more creative... 👒🪟🤔
💥Introducing, the Duties on Clocks and watches Act (1797) 💥
Every gold watch was taxed at the rate of 10 shillings and watches made from silver and other metals were taxed at 2 shillings and 6d. ⌚️🕰️
Arguably, this was a tax aimed at the rich; not very many working people would have owned a personal time piece. However, the Act also attacked the timepiece making industry - makers were subject to an annual licence fee. The industry was devestated and the economic effects far reaching.
The Act was only in place for 9 months, so quite short-lived. Its legacy,however, has clearly endured...
