Calendars, Old and New Style

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Calendars, Old and New Style

CALENDARS, OLD AND NEW STYLE. The Julian (Old Style) Calendar was used in Great Britain and her colonies until 1752, when the Gregorian (New Style) finally was adopted. To adjust for overestimation of the solar year by eleven minutes and fourteen seconds, the Gregorian Calendar had added ten days to each year from 1582 through 1699, added eleven days to the succeeding years through 1751, and left eleven days out of 1752. Great Britain's decree made 14 September 1752 follow 2 September. Under the "O.S."—which is the customary abbreviation—the year usually began 25 March (vernal equinox). Washington's birthday is 22 February 1732 N.S. but 11 February 1731 O.S.; the latter year sometimes is expressed as 1731–32 or 1731/1732. Unless otherwise stated, dates spanning the year 1752 are assumed to be New Style (see Appendix VI).