Exwick History Society

1. Traditionally, property leases and the dates when rent was due, were based on the major seasonal festivals or feasts of the Christian (and perhaps earlier) calendar.

2. The dates of major seasonal events, such as 'Lady Day' and 'Michaelmas', would have been well understood by everyone at a time before the widespread use of watches, newspapers, smartphones, television, radio and all the other reference sources which constantly give us the date and time.

3. Michaelmas was a religious celebration in the Autumn of each year, and coincided with the harvest in much of Europe. Many religious and popular traditions grew up in celebration.

4.  The name Michaelmas comes from St. Michael, and was originally givent the rather longer name of 'Feast of St. Michael and All Angels'.