Britons could be in line for an extra day off in the height of summer, as politicians call for a new bank holiday to celebrate a pivotal but often overlooked moment in English history.
The Campaign for a 'Forgotten' Monarch
There is a growing campaign for the government to declare a new public holiday on July 12, 2027. This date would mark the 1,100th anniversary of when King Aethelstan first united England as a single country in 927 AD at Eamont Bridge in Cumbria.
While many school history lessons begin with William the Conqueror in 1066, it was Aethelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, who achieved the monumental feat of unification over a century earlier. Supporters argue this foundational event deserves national recognition.
Political and Public Backing
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has publicly championed the cause. In an interview with the BBC, he stated, "I certainly think the 1,100th anniversary of the birth of England absolutely deserves a bank holiday." He framed the proposal as a way to reclaim a positive sense of patriotism around the nation's long history.
Conservative MP Alex Burghart is also backing the calls. He told The Telegraph that the 10th century, and Aethelstan's reign in particular, gave birth to enduring national institutions. "The birth of the Kingdom of England, the crown, the pound, the Shire system, the basis of the law, a lot of our towns, all of that really came out of the 10th century, and it’s still with us today," he said.
A petition has been launched to force a parliamentary debate on the matter. Its organisers suggest the July timing is preferable to other proposed new holidays, like St George's Day in April, which already falls close to the Easter break.
Who Was King Aethelstan?
King Aethelstan, who reigned from 924 until his death in 939, is widely regarded by historians as the first true King of England. His reign was defined by military success, administrative reform, and diplomacy.
Key achievements of his rule include:
- Capturing York from Viking control in 927, cementing his authority over the north.
- Securing his kingdom's unity with a decisive victory at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937, defeating an alliance of Vikings, Scots, and Britons.
- Issuing detailed laws to improve justice and order across the land.
- Fostering learning, supporting the church, and building strong diplomatic ties with European rulers through strategic marriages of his sisters.
He was buried at Malmesbury Abbey, and his legacy transformed England from a patchwork of warring kingdoms into a unified nation.
Government Response and Practical Hurdles
While the campaign gains momentum, the government has signalled caution. A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade, Kate Dinn, acknowledged the significance of the event but noted the practical limitations. "There are any number of significant events in our history we would love to mark with a bank holiday, but we can’t do them all," she said.
The creation of a new permanent bank holiday has economic implications, including costs to businesses, which any government would need to carefully consider. The proposal currently on the table is for a one-off holiday in 2027, which may face fewer obstacles than a permanent addition to the calendar.
Whether the campaign succeeds remains to be seen, but it has successfully cast a spotlight on a king whose 1,100-year-old achievement continues to shape the country today.
