XXV. Observations on the Anachronisms and Inaccuracies of our Writers, respecting the Times of the assembling of Parliaments, and of the Dates of Treaties, Grants, Charters, and other Instruments, as well public as private, by Thomas Astle, Esq. F. R. S. and F. A. S.

Extract

It must be generally allowed, that a strict accuracy in chronology is of the utmost importance in all cases, but more especially to historians, biographers, lawyers, and antiquaries; and to those who have quoted and printed our national records, many of whom have misled themselves, and those who have implicitly followed them, from the paths of truth, the consequences of these errors will presently be manifested. For avoiding the mistakes alluded to, it is absolutely necessary for historians and others to be very attentive to the times of the commencement of each year of our Lord, and of the reign of our kings. In England the legal year commenced on the 25th of March till 1752, when, by the statute of the 24th of his late Majesty, chap. 23, it was enacted, that, from and after the last day of December 1751, it should in future commence on the first of January in each year.